Unit for a mechanical connecting device for medical purposes, particularly for peritoneal dialysis

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a unit ( 1 ) for an apparatus ( 2 ) for connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting ( 24 ) to a connector ( 14 ), comprising a body ( 16 ) having:—a first receptacle ( 18 ) and a second receptacle ( 20 ), wherein each of said receptacles is configured for holding an end cap ( 22 ) of the tubular fitting ( 24 ), and—a connector holder ( 26 ) configured for accommodating insertion of the connector ( 14 ); wherein the unit ( 1 ) comprises a capsule ( 290 ) that is configured to be connected to said body ( 16 ) in a releasable fashion, wherein said capsule ( 290 ) comprises said second receptacle ( 20 ).

The present disclosure generally relates to a disposable (e.g. singleuse) capsule of a unit for an apparatus for connecting and disconnectinga tubular fitting to a connector for medical purposes, particularly forperitoneal dialysis, and more specifically to a removable unit for anapparatus for replacing a catheter cap in a protective and sterileenvironment.

Connections of tubular fittings for active fluidic delivery are oftenachieved by luer-lock connecting systems. Often, these conventionalluer-lock connecting systems are used to perform peritoneal dialysis andthe like by employing an actuating station having a pumping mechanismand associated flexible tubes or using manual therapy approaches.

A user connects and disconnects a catheter (or similar tubing, i.e.transfer set) from the user to the connecting system at least once aday, or up to five times a day for exchanging medical fluid to and fromthe user's peritoneal cavity. To initiate the peritoneal dialysis, anold, existing cap of the catheter is initially disconnected from thecatheter, and a connection is made between the catheter and a dialysatefluid bag, or a tubing leading to a fluid or a drug delivery system(e.g. pump). For example, in the state of the art, a stability barrierof the fluid bag is removed, and the catheter is rotationally fastenedto an end tube of the fluid bag. After completion of the dialysis, theuser rotationally unfastens the catheter from the fluid bag and resealsthe catheter with a new, sterile cap.

However, during exchanges of the catheter caps from an old one to a newone, the catheter and the fluid bag connection are typically exposed toan unsterile environment. At times, peritonitis can occur due tocontamination caused by contact with the surrounding atmosphere, andaccidental touching of the catheter.

Other catheter related infections can also occur due to touch or air(e.g. breath) contact during the connection and disconnection of theconnecting system. This situation is undesirable to the user becausebacteria and other micro-organisms can be introduced into the user'speritoneal cavity, thereby causing peritonitis or other illness.Moreover, the conventional system relies in part on the vision and/orskills of the user for properly connecting and disconnecting thecatheter.

Thus, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide adevice that allows replacement or interchange of end caps in a simpleand sanitary manner.

This problem is solved by a unit having the features of claim 1.Preferred embodiments of the unit according to the invention are statedin the corresponding sub claims and are described below. Further aspectsof the invention relating to a tubular fitting, a removable clamp and anend cap are also disclosed and claimed. Particularly, one, several orall said components (i.e. tubular fitting, removable clamp and end cap)can also be components of said unit according to the invention.

According to claim 1 a unit according to the invention for an apparatusfor connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting to a connector isdisclosed, which unit comprises:

-   -   a body having: a first receptacle and a second receptacle, said        first and second receptacles being particularly disposed at        opposite ends of said body, wherein each of said receptacles is        configured for receiving or holding an end cap of the tubular        fitting, particularly to fasten or unfasten the end cap for        replacement and a connector holder being particularly disposed        between said first and second receptacles, and configured for        accommodating insertion of the connector; and wherein    -   preferably said body is configured to be connected to said        apparatus in a releasable fashion, particularly such that the        unit can be manually connected to said apparatus and manually        removed from the apparatus, e.g. after its use (see below), and        wherein the unit comprises a capsule that is configured to be        connected to said body in an (e.g. manually) releasable fashion,        wherein said capsule comprises said second receptacle.

Particularly, the position of the first and second receptacle may alsobe interchanged, i.e., when looking from above, the first receptacle maybe arranged on the left side of the connector holder or on the rightside of the connector holder. The movements of the cradle assembly/unitcan be easily adapted to such a change of positions.

According to an embodiment, the capsule is configured to be sterilizedfor allowing multiple uses. Alternatively, the capsule is a disposablecapsule that is designed for a single use within the unit, particularlycomprising unfastening an end cap from the tubular fitting, connectingthe connector inserted into the connector holder to the tubular fitting,disconnecting the connector from the tubular fitting, and fastening anend cap received in the second receptacle of the capsule to the tubularfitting.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the bodycomprises a recess for receiving the capsule in a form fitting manner.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the capsuleand/or the body are configured to fasten the capsule to the body by alatching connection when the capsule is arranged in said recess adaptedfor receiving the capsule.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the recess forreceiving the capsule comprises a lateral wall for enclosing the capsuleat least partially when the capsule is arranged in said recess.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the lateralwall comprises a discontinuity arranged between two opposing edges ofthe lateral wall.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, a recess isformed in each edge, which recesses face each other. Particularly, theserecesses allow for a more easy removal of the capsule from the recessfor receiving the capsule.

Further, according to another embodiment of present invention, anactuating member is arranged at each edge for unlocking the latchingconnection between the capsule and the recess or lateral wall of therecess. The actuating members may interact with one or several membersof the latching connection between the capsule and the body in order torelease the latching connection.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the capsulecomprises a lateral wall surrounding said second receptacle.Particularly, the capsule further comprises a bottom connected (e.g.integrally) to the lateral wall of the capsule.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the lateralwall of the capsule comprises at least one latching nose that isconfigured to engage with an associated latching recess formed in saidlateral wall of said recess for receiving the capsule, or wherein thelateral wall of said recess for receiving the capsule comprises at leastone latching nose that is configured to engage with an associatedlatching recess formed in said lateral wall of the capsule.

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the capsulecomprises an indicator that is configured to indicate whether thecapsule is unused (e.g. comprises a fresh end cap). Particularly, saidindicator is arranged on the lateral wall of the capsule and can be awindow or an indicator that undergoes a visually perceivable change whenthe capsule has been used (i.e. opened for using the end cap stored inthe capsule).

Further, according to an embodiment of present invention, the unit is aremovable unit, wherein said body is configured to be connected to saidapparatus in a releasable fashion (see also above).

Preferably, according to an embodiment, said body comprises a latchingmeans or latching part for connecting the body in a releasable fashionto said apparatus.

Preferably, according to an embodiment, the unit is designed to besterilized or the like for allowing multiple uses of the unit.

Preferably, according to an alternative embodiment, the unit is adisposable unit and designed for a single use (and to be discardedthereafter) comprising at least: unfastening an end cap from the tubularfitting, connecting the connector inserted into the connector holder tothe tubular fitting, disconnecting the connector from the tubularfitting, and fastening an end cap received in the second receptacle ofthe capsule to the tubular fitting. Thus, the capsule and the whole unitcan be disposable items.

Particularly, while the capsule is preferably adapted for a single useonly, the unit may be designed for a finite number of such uses. Here,particularly, the removable unit is to be discarded before the end ofthe lifetime of the apparatus and to be substituted by a new removableunit.

Further, particularly, the connector (e.g. a so called Y-set formingpart of the dialysis system) comprises a first conduit, which firstconduit comprises a frangible inline seal, and a second conduit, whereinthe two conduits branch off from an end section of the connector, whichend section is configured to be connected to the tubular fitting (whiche.g. forms part of or is connected to a catheter/transfer set) ordisconnected from the tubular fitting, and wherein the tubular fittingcomprises a member which is configured to be actuated so as to open orclose the tubular fitting (or catheter) for allowing or preventing thepassage of fluid through the tubular fitting.

In this regard, a single use of the disposable device particularlycomprises the following steps (e.g. in case of CAPD):

-   -   providing the tubular fitting with an end cap fastened to the        tubular fitting, wherein the end cap is received/held in the        first receptacle of the body of the disposable device/cradle        assembly, wherein the cradle assembly resides in a first        position and is formed by the unit and a moveable carrier of the        apparatus, which unit is connected to said carrier, and wherein        the tubular fitting is inserted into the holder assembly,    -   particularly removing a peal-off seal of the capsule (that is        e.g. inserted into the recess of the body of the unit) to open        the second receptacle of the capsule which contains an end cap,    -   moving the cradle assembly (see below)/unit away from the holder        assembly so as to unfasten the end cap from the tubular fitting,    -   moving the cradle assembly into the second position and then        towards the holder assembly so as to connect the connector        inserted into the connector holder to the tubular fitting,    -   preferably opening the tubular fitting (e.g. by allowing the        patient or user to actuate said member on the tubular fitting)        so as to drain a liquid or fluid, and closing the tubular        fitting thereafter using said member,    -   breaking the frangible inline seal using a first actuating        member of the apparatus (see below),    -   flushing both conduits by letting fluid flow through the first        and the second conduit while the tubular fitting is closed for        preventing the passage of fluid through the tubular fitting,    -   preferably opening the tubular fitting using said member, e.g.        by allowing the patient or user to actuate said member on the        tubular fitting to let liquid or fluid flow (e.g. towards the        target) before closing the tubular fitting using said member        again,    -   interrupting the second conduit by actuating a third actuating        member of the apparatus and opening the tubular fitting by        actuating said member of the tubular fitting,    -   preferably letting fluid pass through the first conduit, the end        section, and the tubular fitting towards a target,    -   closing the tubular fitting by actuating said member of the        tubular fitting,    -   interrupting the first conduit for preventing the passage of        fluid through the first conduit by actuating the second        actuating member,    -   closing the tubular fitting (by using said member) for        preventing the passage of fluid through the tubular fitting,    -   preferably preventing any disconnection of the liquid of fluid        line or between the tubular fitting and the connector before the        tubular fitting is not closed (e.g. by an preferably mechanical        detecting means that is configured to detect the opening/closing        status) and preventing retraction (e.g. of the tubular fitting)        into the housing in case the tubular fitting is open. (Said        detecting means may also be a mechanical means that is        configured to prevent said retraction when the tubular fitting        is open and allows the passage of fluid through the tubular        fitting).    -   moving the cradle assembly away from the holder assembly so as        to disconnect the connector from the tubular fitting, and    -   moving the cradle assembly into the third position and towards        the holder assembly so as to fasten said end cap received in the        second receptacle of the disposable capsule to the tubular        fitting.

Particularly, the above described use corresponds to a CAPD, whereinparticularly, in case of an APD said steps are also conducted with thedifference that the first, the second and the third actuating membersare not used and particularly only a single conduit of the connector ispresent that leads to a cycler (which single conduit is arranged in thesecond region of the recess, while the first region stays empty):

-   -   providing the tubular fitting with an end cap fastened to the        tubular fitting, wherein the end cap is received/held in the        first receptacle of the body of the unit/cradle assembly,        wherein the cradle assembly resides in a first position and is        formed by said (e.g. removable) unit and said moveable carrier        of the apparatus, which unit is connected to said carrier, and        wherein the tubular fitting is inserted into the holder        assembly,    -   moving the cradle assembly/unit away from the holder assembly so        as to unfasten the end cap from the tubular fitting,    -   moving the cradle assembly into the second position and then        towards the holder assembly so as to connect the connector        (comprising a single conduit) inserted into the connector holder        to the tubular fitting,    -   preferably adding a removable clamp from above to arrest the        connection between the tubular fitting and the connector while        the tubular fitting is arranged in the holder assembly and the        connector is arranged in the connector holder (e.g. recess of        removable unit),    -   removing the tubular fitting and the connector connected thereto        from the apparatus (and particularly from the removable unit),    -   opening the tubular fitting by actuating said member of the        tubular fitting for letting fluid pass through the tubular        fitting/connector,    -   closing the tubular fitting by actuating said member of the        tubular fitting,    -   reinserting the tubular fitting and the connector into the        apparatus/removable unit,    -   preferably removing said removable clamp,    -   particularly removing a peal-off seal of the capsule to open the        second receptacle of the capsule which contains an end cap, and    -   moving the cradle assembly away from the holder assembly so as        to disconnect the connector from the tubular fitting and so as        to move said member of the tubular fitting back into the        housing,    -   moving the cradle assembly into the third position and towards        the holder assembly so as to fasten said end cap received in the        second receptacle of the capsule to the tubular fitting.

After these complete cycles (e.g. APD or CAPD), the capsule (andparticularly unit) can be discarded (e.g. together with the insertedconnector and tubings connected thereto) and a new capsule is insertedinto the unit of the apparatus for the next use cycle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the unit according to the presentinvention, the (e.g. removable) unit comprises an end cap arranged inthe second receptacle formed by the capsule, wherein said end cap iscompletely arranged in said second receptacle. Said end cap can comprisea material and/or a Shore hardness as specified below.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, said second receptacle is closed, particularlyhermetically closed, by a closure comprising a peel-off seal(particularly a peal-off foil), which peel-off seal is attached to thecapsule, particularly to a circumferential face side of the capsule,e.g. of the lateral wall of the capsule (the face side can face awayfrom the bottom of the capsule, which bottom is connected to the lateralwall of the capsule).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the removable unitaccording to the present invention, said closure comprises a flexiblestrip connected to the peel-off seal, which strip comprises a free endsection which can optionally be configured to be arranged between abottom and a cover of a housing of said apparatus such that the free endsection of the strip protrudes out of the housing and thus forms ahandle by means of which the peel-off seal can be peeled off thecapsule/second receptacle from outside said housing (particularly saidfree end section protrudes out of the housing when the cradle assemblyof the apparatus resides in the third position and has been movedtowards the holder assembly). This is particularly useful for CAPD.However said end section (e.g. in case of APD) or handle can also bearranged in the housing and may be accessed after the housing has beenopened.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, a flexible carrier member, particularly a sponge,that carries (e.g. has absorbed) an anti-bacterial fluid, is in contactwith said end cap and is arranged in the receptacle that is in turnclosed by said peel-off seal.

Further, according to an embodiment, said end cap comprises adisinfectant (e.g. a compound, substance or material that ischaracterized by an antimicrobial property, i.e., inhibits and/ordestroys microorganisms), wherein particularly said end cap is at leastpartially or completely formed out of said disinfectant, or comprises acoating comprising said disinfectant.

Further, as already indicated above, according to a preferred embodimentof the unit according to the present invention, the body is configuredto be connected to a movable carrier (also denoted as carriage) of saidapparatus in a releasable fashion, wherein particularly said carrier ismovable with respect to the bottom of the housing of the apparatus sothat the unit can be moved together with said carrier inside saidhousing (carrier and removable unit form parts of said cradle assemblyof the apparatus).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body comprises a top side, whereinparticularly said discontinuity of the lateral wall of the recess isarranged at the top side.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, two through-holes are formed in the body on thetop side which are each configured to receive an associated pinprotruding from said carrier when the body is connected to the carrier,wherein particularly a face side of the respective pin is flush with thetop side when the removable unit is connected to the carrier.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the top side comprises a through-hole whichindicates the position of a frangible inline seal of a first conduit ofthe connector.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, for establishing said releasable connectionbetween the body and the carrier, the body comprises two opposinginternal surfaces (e.g. extending perpendicular to said top side),wherein said internal surfaces face each other, and wherein a latchingmeans, particularly a latching nose, is provided on each internalsurface for engaging with a complementary latching means, particularly arecess, of the carrier.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body of the unit comprises a front side walland an opposing back side wall. Particularly, the recess of the body forreceiving the capsule is arranged on the front side wall.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the connector holder comprises a recess forreceiving the connector (e.g. of the dialysis system, e.g. a Y-set incase of CAPD or a patient line, e.g. a single conduit, in case of APD),which recess is arranged on the top side and extends from the front sidewall to the back side wall of the body of the removable unit.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the recess comprises a Y-shape, namely an endregion extending from the front side wall, which end region branches outinto a first and a second region that extend from said end region to theback side wall, respectively, wherein said recess is configured toreceive a (Y-shaped) connector comprising a first conduit and a secondconduit, wherein the two conduits branch off from an end section of theconnector, via which end section the connector is configured to beconnected to said tubular fitting, wherein the end region of the recessis configured to receive said end section of the connector, and whereinthe first region of the recess is configured to receive the firstconduit, and wherein the second region of the recess is configured toreceive the second conduit of the connector.

Particularly in case of APD, the connector comprises at least oneconduit, particularly a single conduit, connected to the end section ofthe connector, wherein here said at least one conduit/single conduit isarranged in the second region of the recess while the first region staysempty.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the unit comprises a protrusion, particularly aU-shaped protrusion, protruding from the front side wall and extendingalong the end region of the recess on the front side wall, wherein saidprotrusion is configured to prevent an inclination of the end section ofthe connector with respect to an axial direction of the end section whensaid end section is inserted in said end region of the recess.Particularly, said protrusion comprises two opposing parallel sectionsthat are integrally connected by a curved section which parallelsections and curved section are configured to butt against said endsection in a form fitting manner to prevent said inclination.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body comprises two holding means or holdingparts arranged on the top side of the body, wherein the two holdingmeans or parts are arranged on opposing sides of the end region of therecess for holding the end section of the connector in the end region ofthe recess when said end section is arranged in said end region of therecess.

Particularly, each of said two holding means or parts comprises a freeend, wherein the respective free end protrudes past an associated sidewall of the end region of the recess, which two side walls of said endregion of the recess face each other.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body comprises two holding means or twoholding parts, wherein each of said holding means or parts forms a toothstructure, and wherein the respective holding means or part protrudesfrom an associated sidewall of the end region of the recess, whereinsaid two sidewalls face each other, and wherein said tooth structuresare configured to prevent a movement of the end section of the connectorin an axial direction when said end section of the connector is arrangedin said end region of the recess and a force pulls said end section ofthe connector in said axial direction that particularly points away fromsaid front side wall.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body comprises a holding means or holdingpart arranged in the first region of the recess, which holding means orpart is configured to clamp the first conduit of the connector when saidfirst conduit is arranged in the first region of the recess, whereinparticularly said holding means or part is configured to encompass saidfirst conduit, and/or wherein the body comprises a holding means or aholding part arranged in the second region of the recess, which holdingmeans or part is configured to clamp the second conduit of the connector(or said at least one conduit/single conduit) when said second conduit(or said at least one conduit/single conduit) is arranged in the secondregion of the recess, wherein particularly said holding means or part isconfigured to encompass said second conduit (or said at least oneconduit/single conduit).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body comprises a holding means or a holdingpart arranged in the first region of the recess at the back side wall,which holding means or part is configured to clamp the first conduit ofthe connector when said first conduit is arranged in the first region ofthe recess, wherein particularly said holding means or part isconfigured to encompass said first conduit, wherein said holding meansor part comprises a slot into which the first conduit can be pushed sothat the first conduit is blocked for the passage of fluid through thefirst conduit, and/or wherein the body comprises a holding means or aholding part arranged in the second region of the recess at the backside wall, which holding means or part is configured to clamp the secondconduit (or said at least one conduit/single conduit) of the connectorwhen said second conduit (or said at least one conduit/single conduit)is arranged in the second region of the recess, wherein particularlysaid holding means or part is configured to encompass said secondconduit (or said at least one conduit/single conduit), and wherein saidholding means or part comprises a slot into which the second conduit (orthe at least one conduit/single conduit) can be pushed so that thesecond conduit (or the at least one conduit/single conduit) is blockedfor the passage of fluid through the respective conduit.

According to an alternative embodiment, the body comprises a holdingmeans arranged in the first region of the recess at the back side wall,which holding means is configured to clamp the first conduit of theconnector when said first conduit is arranged in the first region of therecess, wherein said holding means comprises a clamping surface and apivotable clamping arm, wherein the clamping arm is configured to bepivoted towards the clamping surface into a clamping position so thatthe first conduit is blocked when it is clamped between said clampingsurface and the clamping arm.

Likewise, according to an embodiment, the body can comprise a holdingmeans arranged in the second region of the recess at the back side wall,which holding means is configured to clamp the second conduit or said atleast one conduit of the connector when said second conduit or said atleast one conduit is arranged in the second region of the recess,wherein said holding means comprises a clamping surface and a pivotableclamping arm, wherein the clamping arm is configured to be pivotedtowards the clamping surface into a clamping position so that the secondconduit or said at least one conduit is blocked when it is clampedbetween said clamping surface and said clamping arm.

The clamping surfaces can be inclined with respect to the top side ofthe body.

Further, according to an embodiment, the clamping arm of the holdingmeans of the first region of the recess is configured to be pivotedtowards the associated clamping surface by means of an actuating memberof the apparatus. Further, the clamping arm of the holding means of thesecond region of the recess may also be configured to be pivoted towardsthe associated clamping surface by means of an actuating member of theapparatus.

Further, according to an embodiment, the holding means of the firstregion of the recess comprises a hook for engaging with the clamping armso as to hold the clamping arm in its clamping position. Furthermore,according to an embodiment, and/or wherein the holding means of thesecond region of the recess comprises a hook for engaging with theclamping arm so as to hold the clamping arm in its clamping position.

Further, according to an embodiment, the holding means of the firstregion of the recess comprises a guiding arm for guiding said actuatingmember of the apparatus, and/or wherein the holding means of the secondregion of the recess comprises a guiding arm for guiding said actuatingmember of the apparatus.

Particularly in case the holding means described above comprises saidpivotable clamping arms, it is also possible that the unit according tothe present invention comprises a capsule that is rigidly connected tothe body of the unit and cannot be removed from the body of the unit. Inthis regard, according to a further aspect of the present invention, thefollowing unit is disclosed:

A unit for an apparatus for connecting and disconnecting a tubularfitting to a connector, comprising:

-   -   a body having:        -   a first receptacle and a second receptacle, wherein each of            said receptacles is configured for holding an end cap of the            tubular fitting, and        -   a connector holder configured for accommodating insertion of            the connector.

Here, particularly the second receptacle is rigidly connected to thebody and cannot be removed from the body.

Further, particularly, this unit comprises an end cap arranged in saidsecond receptacle formed by the body of the unit, wherein particularlysaid end cap is completely arranged in said second receptacle.

Further, particularly, said second receptacle is closed, particularlyhermetically closed, by a closure comprising a peel-off seal, whichpeel-off seal is particularly attached to a circumferential face side ofa lateral wall of the second receptacle, which lateral wall is formed bythe body.

This unit may further comprise the features as stated in one of theclaims 16 to 41 and may be used with all other aspects of the presentinvention described herein.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the removable unitaccording to the present invention, the body comprises a first and asecond latching nose at the first region of the recess, wherein therespective latching nose is configured to engage an associated actuatingmember of the apparatus so as to hold the respective actuating member ina pressed position, wherein particularly the first latching nose isconfigured to engage with a first actuating member of the apparatus thatis configured to break said frangible inline seal of the first conduit.Further, particularly the first latching nose is configured to engagesuch with the first actuating member that the latter ensures the passageof fluid through the first conduit after breaking of the inline seal.

Further, particularly, the second latching nose is configured to engagewith a second actuating member of the apparatus that is configured topress the first conduit in said slot of the first region of the recess.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the body comprises a thirdlatching nose at the second region of the recess, wherein said thirdlatching nose is configured to engage an associated actuating member ofthe apparatus so as to hold said actuating member in a pressed position,wherein particularly the third latching nose is configured to engagewith a third actuating member of the apparatus that is configured topress the second conduit in said associated slot of the second region ofthe recess.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the unit comprises a drip pan that protrudes fromthe front side wall of said body and is arranged below the end region ofthe recess as well as below the first receptacle to receive spilledfluid, wherein said drip pan comprises a plurality of dents forreceiving spilled fluid.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the drip pan comprises a centering means in theform of a recess for receiving a guiding means of the apparatus,particularly in the form of a guiding pin. The drip pan may comprise afurther recess for receiving said pin when the removable unit isarranged in the apparatus (with the removable unit being arranged in thefirst position).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit according tothe present invention, the body of the unit comprises a Shore hardnessin the range from 60 A to 100 A, particularly 70 A to 90 A, particularly80 A.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the unit, the bodycomprises a material or is formed out of a material, which material isone of: polypropylene (PP); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); amixture of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a tubularfitting for use with the unit/apparatus is disclosed, wherein thetubular fitting is configured to be received by an opening of a body ofa holder assembly of said apparatus. Particularly, according to yetanother aspect of the present invention, a catheter system is disclosedwhich comprises a catheter and a tubular fitting and/or a connector asdescribed herein, wherein particularly the first portion of the tubularfitting described below is configured to be in fluid communication witha lumen of the catheter (or can be brought in fluid communication withsaid lumen of the catheter, particularly by means of said memberdescribed herein).

Further, according to an embodiment of the tubular fitting according tothe invention, the tubular fitting is configured such that an end capcan be fastened to the tubular fitting by plugging the end cap into saidopening, and wherein the tubular fitting is configured such that an endcap can be unfastened from tubular fitting by pulling the end cap out ofsaid opening.

Further, according to an embodiment of the tubular fitting according tothe invention, tubular fitting is configured such that a connector canbe connected to the tubular fitting by plugging the connector into saidopening of the tubular fitting, and wherein the tubular fitting isconfigured such that a connector can be disconnected from the tubularfitting by pulling the connector out of said opening of the tubularfitting.

Further, preferably, said plugging and/or pulling is irrotational.

Further, according to an embodiment of the tubular fitting according tothe invention, the tubular fitting is formed as an adapter, whichcomprises a first recess at a first end of the adapter, which firstrecess comprises an internal thread configured to be rotationallyfastened to an external thread of a first portion of a catheter, andwherein the adapter comprises a shroud at an opposite second end of theadapter, which shroud surrounds a second recess of the adapter intowhich a protrusion of the adapter protrudes, which protrusion comprisessaid opening of the adapter such that the shroud surrounds saidprotrusion and said opening of the adapter, wherein the shroud iscoaxially arranged with respect to said protrusion.

To describe the adapter function in more detail, the tubular fittingwill be described below in terms of a first and a second portion of thetubular fitting.

According thereto, in a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the tubular fitting comprises afirst portion. Particularly, the first portion is configured to beconnected to a catheter or may form part of such a catheter, e.g. of atransfer-set (e.g. a mini-set). Furthermore, the tubular fittingcomprises an adjacent second portion comprising said opening of thetubular fitting for connecting with an connector or for fastening an endcap to the second portion/tubular fitting.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the second portion is configuredsuch that an end cap can be fastened to the second portion by pluggingthe end cap into said opening of said second portion (e.g. upon saidmovement of the cradle assembly or removable unit towards the holderassembly when the cradle assembly/removable unit is in the thirdposition), and wherein the second portion is configured such that an endcap can be unfastened from the second portion by pulling the end cap outof said opening, (e.g. upon said movement of the cradle assembly orremovable unit away from the holder assembly when the cradleassembly/removable unit is in the first position).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the second portion is configuredsuch that a connector can be connected to the second portion by pluggingthe connector into said opening of said second portion (e.g. upon saidmovement of the cradle assembly or removable unit towards the holderassembly when the cradle assembly/removable unit is in the secondposition), and wherein the second portion is configured such that aconnector can be disconnected from the second portion by pulling theconnector out of said opening (e.g. upon said movement of the cradleassembly or removable unit away from the holder assembly when the cradleassembly/removable unit is in the second position).

Further, particularly, as already indicated, said plugging and/orpulling is preferably irrotational (i.e. does not involve any rotationof the second portion/tubular fitting or of the respective end cap).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the tubular fitting comprises aremovable clamp for arresting the connector with respect to the tubularfitting (e.g. with respect to the second portion) when the connector isconnected to the tubular fitting (e.g. to the second portion), whereinparticularly the clamp is configured to be connected to the tubularfitting (e.g. to the second portion), particularly by means of a clip-onconnection, wherein particularly the clamp encompasses the tubularfitting (e.g. the second portion) when it is connected to the tubularfitting (e.g. to the second portion).

Further, according to an embodiment of the tubular fitting according tothe present invention, the second portion is formed as an adapter (seealso above), which comprises a first recess at a first end of theadapter, which first recess comprises an internal thread configured tobe rotationally fastened to an external thread of the first portion,particularly such that a lumen surrounded by the first portion is inflow communication with a lumen surrounded by the adapter. Preferably,the first recess comprises a conical shape. Further, preferably, theexternal thread is formed on a conical section of the first portion.

Furthermore, preferably, the adapter comprises a shroud, preferably abell-shaped shroud, at an opposite second end of the adapter, whichshroud surrounds a second recess of the adapter into which second recessa protrusion of the adapter protrudes, which protrusion preferablycomprises said opening of the adapter such that the shroud surroundssaid protrusion and said opening of the adapter. Further, the shroud ispreferably coaxially arranged with respect to said protrusion.

Further, according to an alternative embodiment, the second portion maybe integrally connected to the first portion (which in turn may beconnected to said catheter), particularly such that the two portions(i.e. their lumina) are in flow communication with each other.

Here, particularly, the second portion comprises a shroud, which shroudsurrounds a recess of the second portion into which a protrusion of thesecond portion protrudes, which protrusion comprises said opening of thesecond portion such that the shroud surrounds said protrusion and saidopening of the second portion, wherein the shroud is coaxially arrangedwith respect to said protrusion.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the clamp is configured to cover aportion of the shroud and of the second recess when the clamp isconnected to the tubular fitting (e.g. to the second portion), whereinthe clamp is configured to engage behind a portion of the connector whenthe connector is connected to the tubular fitting (e.g. to the secondportion) so that the connector cannot be disconnected from the tubularfitting (e.g. from the second portion).

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,the clamp is configured to be connected to the tubular fitting (e.g. tothe second portion) and/or removed from the tubular fitting (e.g. fromthe second portion) when the tubular fitting is arranged in a holderassembly of an apparatus to which said removable unit is connected.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the clamp comprises two armsextending from a base of the clamp for encompassing the tubular fitting,particularly its second portion.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the clamp comprises an innerprotrusion (e.g. at a position where the shroud ends) for insertion intoa circumferential groove of the tubular fitting, particularly of thesecond portion, when the clamp is connected to the tubular fitting, e.g.to the second portion.

Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the tubular fittingaccording to the present invention, the clamp comprises a flap forremoving the clamp from the tubular fitting, which flap is connected tothe base, particularly via a hinge, wherein particularly, for formingsaid hinge, the clamp comprises a through-hole arranged between the baseand the flap.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, aremovable clamp is disclosed, for arresting a connector with respect toa tubular fitting when the connector is connected to the tubularfitting. Such a removable clamp is particularly useful for an APD whenthe tubular fitting and the connector are connected and removed from theapparatus. This ensures that the connection between these two componentscan be maintained.

Particularly, the removable clamp is configured to be connected to thetubular fitting, particularly by means of a clip-on connection, whereinparticularly the clamp encompasses the tubular fitting when it isconnected to the tubular fitting.

Further, according to an embodiment of the removable clamp according tothe invention, the clamp is configured to cover a portion of a shroudand of an opening of the tubular fitting when the clamp is connected tothe tubular fitting, wherein the clamp is configured to engage behind aportion of the connector when the connector is connected to the tubularfitting so that the connector cannot be disconnected from the tubularfitting.

Further, according to an embodiment of the removable clamp according tothe invention, the clamp is configured to be connected to the tubularfitting and/or removed from the tubular fitting when the tubular fittingis arranged in a holder assembly of an apparatus.

Further, according to an embodiment of the removable clamp according tothe invention, the removable clamp comprises two arms extending from abase of the clamp for encompassing the tubular fitting (e.g. the secondportion of the tubular fitting).

Further, according to an embodiment of the removable clamp according tothe invention, the clamp comprises a protrusion for insertion into acircumferential groove of the tubular fitting when the clamp isconnected to the tubular fitting.

Further, according to an embodiment of the removable clamp according tothe invention, the clamp comprises a flap for removing the removableclamp from the tubular fitting, which flap is connected to the base,particularly via a hinge, wherein particularly, for forming said hinge,the clamp comprises a through-hole arranged between the base and theflap.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, anend cap for use with a tubular fitting and a unit is disclosed, whichend cap is configured to be connected to the tubular fitting so as toclose the tubular fitting.

Further, according to an embodiment of the end cap according to theinvention, the end cap comprises a protrusion having a broadened head(i.e. the head comprises a diameter that is larger than a diameter of asection of said protrusion that connects the head to a back side of theend cap). Particularly, said head is configured to engage behind an edgeof a first receptacle of the unit, so that the tubular fitting can bepulled off the end cap when the latter has its head engaged with saidedge of the first receptacle.

Further, according to an embodiment of the end cap according to theinvention, the end cap comprises a flexible means, particularly asponge, that carries an anti-bacterial agent or fluid.

Further, according to an embodiment of the end cap according to theinvention, the end cap comprises a disinfectant (e.g. a compound,substance or material that is characterized by an antimicrobialproperty, i.e., inhibits and/or destroys microorganisms), whereinparticularly said end cap is at least partially or completely formed outof said disinfectant, or comprises a coating comprising saiddisinfectant.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, anapparatus for connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting to aconnector is disclosed. According to this aspect of the presentinvention, the apparatus comprises an (e.g. removable) unit according tothe present invention, particularly according to one of the variousembodiments described and claimed herein.

Particularly, said apparatus according to the invention comprises:

-   -   a cradle assembly configured for accommodating the connector,        the cradle assembly including the unit, which unit comprises a        body having:        -   a first receptacle and a second receptacle, said first and            second receptacles being particularly disposed at opposite            ends of said body, wherein particularly each of said            receptacles is configured for receiving or holding an end            cap of the tubular fitting, particularly to fasten or            unfasten the end cap for replacement, and wherein the unit            comprises a capsule that is configured to be connected to            said body in a releasable fashion, wherein said capsule            comprises said second receptacle;        -   a connector holder being particularly disposed between said            first and said second receptacle, and configured for            accommodating insertion of the connector;    -   a holder assembly configured for accommodating insertion of the        tubular fitting; and particularly    -   a means or member configured for operating said cradle assembly        so that said cradle assembly is reciprocable (i.e. movable back        and forth) in a transverse direction relative to said holder        assembly between a first position, a second position, and a        third position.

Particularly, the (e.g. removable) unit according to the invention isadapted for the use with such an apparatus for connecting anddisconnecting a tubular fitting to a connector, which apparatusparticularly uses an enclosed, movable cradle assembly configured foraccommodating said connector, particularly a fluid bag connector (hereinthe invention is often described in terms of a fluid bag connector, butmay also be used with any other connector). Furthermore, particularly,the notion catheter refers to medical catheters, but particularly alsoto all other structures or conduits via which a fluid can be deliveredand which structures or conduits can be closed with a cap. Further,particularly, the notion cap or end cap refers to all kinds of closuresthat can be used in a reasonable manner in the framework of the presentinvention.

Particularly, said apparatus according to the present invention isdesigned to mechanically connect a Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter toa dialysis bag during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)procedure and also with APD, automated peritoneal dialysis whenconnected to a PD cycler. The apparatus is particularly intended for useby home dialysis patients, caregivers and health care professionals athome or within health care facilities.

Further, particularly, the adapter/tubular fitting according to theinvention is designed to transform a rotational Luer movement into alinear movement so that connecting/disconnecting orfastening/unfastening can be performed in a rotation free manner bymeans of merely linear plugging or pulling movement.

Particularly, the adapter/tubular fitting according to the invention isintended to mate two devices together and is—according to anembodiment—either protected by the closure cap (also denoted end cap) orconnected to the dialysis bag (or any tubing connected to a drug or adrug delivery system) during the therapy. Particularly, the adapter isfastened to the catheter (or e.g. a transfer set, for instance mini-set)of the patient and particularly rests there for the e.g. 6 months saidcatheter (or e.g. a transfer- or mini-set) is in use.

Further, particularly, the end cap of the unit is intended to be usedfor closure of the adapter when no dialysis bag is attached to performthe therapy. Particularly, it is held in place with a secured sealedlocking mechanism.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises a housing for receivingthe body of the unit that is configured to hold the connector and endcaps to be fastened to or unfastened from the tubular fitting. Thus,this body ensures an antibacterial conduction of theconnecting/disconnecting or fastening/unfastening (end caps) operations.It is preferably pre-filled/pre-assembled with the new (sterile) end capthat resides in the disposable capsule. Prior to the connectingoperation, said body may be pre-filled with a sterile end cap, e.g. byinserting a capsule holding the end cap into the recess of the body ofthe unit, and is then assembled onto a moveable carrier of the cradleassembly. These components assist in connecting an e.g. PD catheter toan e.g. dialysis bag during a CAPD or APD procedure.

Particularly, the apparatus comprising the above described components isintended to be used as a patient aid in home dialysis therapy.Particularly, it supports the connection of the e.g. catheter to thee.g. dialysis bag. It performs this connection mechanically in an easymanner, therefore providing a convenient alternative to the conventionalconnection performed completely manually.

Particularly, said holder assembly includes a body having an opening forreceiving the tubular fitting.

Further, particularly, the cradle assembly (i.e. the unit and themoveable carrier) is configured to be movable in each of said positionstowards and away from the holder assembly by means of said means foroperating the cradle and holder assembly, preferably in a directionperpendicular to said transverse direction.

Further, particularly, when the cradle assembly is in the firstposition, the cradle assembly is movable away from the holder assemblyso as to unfasten an end cap received/held in the first receptacle,which end cap is fastened to a tubular fitting, from the tubular fittingthat is inserted into the holder assembly.

Further, particularly, when the cradle assembly is in the secondposition, the cradle assembly is movable towards the holder assembly soas to connect a connector inserted into the connector holder to atubular fitting inserted into the holder assembly so that a flowconnection is established between said connector and the tubularfitting, or wherein the cradle assembly is moveable away from the holderassembly so as to disconnect a connector inserted into the connectorholder and connected to a tubular fitting that is inserted into theholder assembly from the tubular fitting.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises a housing.

Further, according to an embodiment of the apparatus according to theinvention, said body of the unit can be (e.g. manually) released from amovable carrier of the cradle assembly that is moveable in saidpositions. Further, particularly, the connected catheter-dialysis fluidline (comprising in an embodiment at least the tubular fitting and theconnector as well as particularly conduits connected thereto) can beremoved from the housing when the cradle assembly is in the secondposition and has particularly been moved towards the holder assembly,e.g. in order to allow application of the device for APD.

Furthermore, preferably, the housing comprises a cover that can beopened and/or removed from the housing (e.g. from a bottom of thehousing) and is preferably at least partially or completely transparent,particularly so as to be able to observe said fastening/unfastening ofthe end caps and said connecting of the tubular fitting to the connectoror said disconnecting of the tubular fitting from the connector.

Further, according to an embodiment, the holder assembly is fixed to thehousing, particularly bottom of the apparatus and cannot move withrespect to the housing. When the tubular fitting is received in theholder assembly as intended, said member for opening/closing the tubularmember protrudes out of the housing and is accessible for the user sothat the user can open/close the tubular fitting for the passage offluid by means said member.

Further, particularly, the holder assembly and/or the tubular fittingmay be configured to move together with the cradle assembly/unit whenthe cradle assembly/unit is in the second position such that a member ofa tubular fitting, which tubular fitting is inserted into the holderassembly, protrudes at least partially out of the housing (e.g. througha through hole of the housing) when the tubular fitting is connected toa connector that is inserted into the body of the unit and such thatsaid member is arranged inside the housing (e.g. in a compartmentsurrounded by the housing) when said tubular fitting is disconnectedfrom said connector, wherein said member is configured to be actuated soas to open or close the tubular fitting (or catheter) for allowing orpreventing the passage of fluid through the tubular fitting.Particularly, when the holder assembly is non-moving, the tubularfitting may also be configured to slide with respect to the holderassembly, so that said member can be retracted into the housing orpushed out of the housing.

Further, particularly, the apparatus may be configured to preventretracting of the tubular fitting for disconnecting the latter from theconnector (e.g. by preventing retracting of the holder assembly into thehousing) when the tubular fitting clamp (e.g. said member of the tubularfitting described herein) is not closed.

Hence, to ensure safety, the tubular fitting/catheter may be configuredsuch that it cannot be opened for allowing passage of fluid through thefitting/catheter from outside the housing when the tubular fitting isnot connected to the connector and is not fastened to an end cap.

Preferably, said member is a rotatable member that is actuated byrotating it (e.g. about an axis along which the tubular fitting orcatheter extends), wherein upon rotation of the member the tubularfitting is either closed so that no fluid can pass through the tubularfitting or opened so that fluid can pass through the tubular fittingdepending on the direction of said rotation.

Further, particularly, when the cradle assembly or removable unit is inthe third position, the cradle assembly is movable towards the holderassembly so as to fasten an end cap received in the opened secondreceptacle of the capsule to a tubular fitting inserted into the holderassembly so that the tubular fitting is sealed.

Further, particularly, the holder assembly may also be configured tomove together with the cradle assembly when the cradle assembly is inthe third position such that a member of a tubular fitting, whichtubular fitting is inserted into the holder assembly, protrudes—at leastpartially—out of the housing (e.g. through said through hole of thehousing) when the tubular fitting is fastened to an end cap that isreceived in the opened second receptacle, wherein said member can beactuated so as to close the tubular fitting (or catheter) for preventingpassage of fluid through the tubular fitting.

Further, as already described above, the body of the unit/cradleassembly comprises the recess for receiving the first conduit of theconnector, which first conduit comprises said frangible inline seal, andfor receiving the second conduit (or said single conduit) of theconnector, wherein the two conduits branch off from said end section ofthe connector, via which end section the connector is configured to beconnected to a tubular fitting. In case the connector comprises said atleast one conduit (e.g. only a single conduit), the at least one conduit(e.g. single conduit) is also connected to an end section of theconnector. The at least one conduit/single conduit can be curved suchthat it easily fits into the second region of the recess.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises the first actuatingmember that is configured to be manually actuated to break saidfrangible inline seal when the cradle assembly or removable unit is inthe second position and a connector inserted into the connector holderis connected to a tubular fitting inserted into the holder assembly.Preferably, the first actuating member comprises a pushable buttonarranged on the housing (particularly on the cover), wherein uponpushing said button, the first actuating member moves downwards andbreaks said frangible inline seal of the first conduit arranged in thefirst region of the recess.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises said second actuatingmember that is configured to be manually actuated to interrupt thepassage of fluid through the first conduit of the connector arranged inthe second region of the recess when the cradle assembly or removableunit is in the second position and the connector inserted into therecess of the connector holder is connected to a tubular fittinginserted into the holder assembly. Preferably, the second actuatingmember comprises a pushable button arranged on the housing (particularlyon the cover), wherein upon pushing said button, the second actuatingmember moves downwards and pushes the first conduit into said slot sothat the first conduit is interrupted.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises a third actuating memberthat is configured to be manually actuated to interrupt the passage offluid through the second conduit of the connector being arranged in thesecond region of the recess when the cradle assembly or removable unitis in the second position and the connector inserted into the recess ofthe connector holder is connected to a tubular fitting inserted into theholder assembly.

Further, the third actuating member preferably comprises a pushablebutton arranged on the housing (particularly on the cover), wherein uponpushing said button, the third actuating member moves downwards andpushes the second conduit into the associated slot so that the secondconduit is interrupted.

Preferably, the first conduit is connected to a fluid bag and the secondconduit to a fluid waste bag.

Further, particularly, due to said latching noses, the buttons and/oractuating members are configured to remain in a different (e.g. lowerposition) after they have been pushed by a user, e.g. in order toindicate to the patient/user that they have already been operated.

Particularly, all the three buttons stay in a half-down or down positionwhen pushed during the therapy in order to indicate to the patient thatthey have already been operated.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises a guiding means forguiding said movement of the cradle assembly towards and away from theholder assembly as described above. Further, particularly, said guidingmeans may also be configured for guiding said movement of the holderassembly.

Further, particularly, the apparatus comprises an actuating means foractuating said means for operating the cradle assembly (and particularlythe holder assembly when the holder assembly can move). Preferably, saidactuating means comprises a handle for manually actuating said meansfrom outside the housing.

Further, particularly, said means for operating the cradle assembly andparticularly holder assembly can comprise a drive or motor that isconfigured to automatically move the cradle assembly between saidpositions, and wherein particularly said drive or motor is configured toautomatically move the cradle assembly in each of said positions towardsand away from the holder assembly in a direction perpendicular to saidtransverse direction.

Further, particularly, the apparatus can comprise an electronic controlunit for controlling said drive or motor, wherein said electroniccontrol unit is preferably programmable in an embodiment so that saidautomatic movement of the cradle assembly (and particularly holderassembly) is programmable.

Further, particularly, the apparatus may comprise an antibacterialradiation source (e.g. an ultraviolet light source) for reducingcontamination with germs.

Further, particularly, the apparatus may comprise a surface comprising adisinfectant admixture, particularly comprised by a coating of saidsurface or an additive to a molding material of said surface in order toreduce contamination with germs.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention relates to a removablecapsule that is particularly configured to be used with a unit orapparatus according to the present invention. The capsule can also beused with an apparatus according to the present invention that comprisesa unit that cannot be removed from the apparatus.

According thereto, a capsule for use with a unit, particularly a unitaccording to the present invention, is disclosed, wherein the capsulecomprises a receptacle and an end cap (e.g. of a tubular fitting,particularly of a tubular fitting according to the present invention)arranged in said receptacle, wherein the capsule is configured to beconnected to a body of the unit in a releasable fashion.

Particularly, the capsule can comprise the features already describedabove.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, the capsule comprises a lateral wall surrounding saidreceptacle of the capsule (also denoted as second receptacle herein).

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, the lateral wall of the capsule comprises at least onelatching nose that is configured to engage with an associated latchingrecess formed in said lateral wall of said recess for receiving thecapsule, or wherein the lateral wall of said recess for receiving thecapsule comprises at least one latching nose that is configured toengage with an associated latching recess formed in said lateral wall ofthe capsule.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, the capsule comprises an indicator that is configured toindicate whether the capsule is unused.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, said end cap is completely arranged in said receptacle.Particularly, the capsule encloses the end cap (e.g. hermetically).

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, said receptacle of the capsule is closed, particularlyhermetically closed, by a closure comprising a peel-off seal, whichpeel-off seal is particularly attached to a circumferential face side ofthe lateral wall of the capsule.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, said closure comprises a flexible strip connected to thepeel-off seal, which strip comprises a free end section that forms ahandle by means of which the peel-off seal can be peeled off the lateralwall of the capsule, particularly from outside or inside a housing of anapparatus to which the unit is connectable or connected (see alsoabove), wherein particularly said free end section is configured to bearranged between a bottom and a cover of said housing such that the freeend section of the strip protrudes out of the housing.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, a flexible carrier member, particularly a sponge, thatcarries an anti-bacterial agent or fluid, is in contact with said endcap and is arranged in the second receptacle of the capsule.

Particularly, in an embodiment of the capsule according to the presentinvention, said end cap comprises a disinfectant, wherein particularlysaid end cap is at least partially or completely formed out of saiddisinfectant, or comprises a coating comprising said disinfectant.

Furthermore, the end cap that is enclosed by the capsule according tothe present invention can comprise the features of the end cap accordingto the present invention describe herein.

The foregoing and other aspects and features of the disclosure willbecome apparent to those of reasonable skill in the art from thefollowing detailed description, as considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an (e.g. removable) unit according tothe invention having a disposable capsule for holding an end cap,

FIG. 2 shows a plan view onto a unit according to the invention,

FIG. 3 shows a lateral view onto a unit according to the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view onto the unit of FIG. 1 wherein thesecond receptacle is closed with a peel-off seal,

FIG. 5A to 5F show an end cap that can be stored in the secondreceptacle of the (disposable) capsule,

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the removable unit of FIG. 4,

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a tubular fitting according to the inventioncomprising a removable clamp,

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an apparatus forconnecting/disconnecting a tubular fitting and a connector that isequipped with a removable unit according to the present invention,

FIG. 11A to 11C show a further connector which comprises only a singleconduit (e.g. for APD),

FIG. 12 shows a view of the back side wall of a removable unit accordingto the present invention with holding means comprising pivotableclamping arms; and

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the unit shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 1 shows together with FIGS. 2 to 6 an e.g. removable unit 1 for anapparatus 2 for connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting 24 to aconnector 14. An example of such an apparatus 2 in shown in FIG. 10,where the unit 1 is connected to a moveable carrier 12 a of theapparatus 2.

According to FIGS. 1 to 3, the unit 1, which can be configured to bediscarded after e.g. a single or a finite number of uses comprises abody 16 having: a first receptacle 18 and a second receptacle 20,wherein each of said receptacles is configured for receiving/holding anend cap 22 of the tubular fitting 24; and a connector holder 26 beinge.g. disposed between said first and second receptacles 18, 20 orbetween said first receptacle 18 and the recess 20 b/capsule 290 (seebelow), and configured for accommodating insertion of the connector 14.

An embodiment of such an end cap 22 is shown in FIGS. 5A to 5F.Particularly, the end cap 22 comprises a protrusion 22 a having abroadened head 22 b (cf. FIGS. 5E and 5F) that is configured to engagebehind an edge 18 a of the first receptacle 18, so that the tubularfitting 24 can be pulled off an end cap 22 when the latter has its head18 b engaged with said edge 18 a of the first receptacle 18. Further,particularly, in an embodiment, the end cap 22 comprises an innerprotrusion 22 c for receiving the protrusion 610 of the tubular fitting24 (cf. FIGS. 7 to 9 and description below).

Further, FIGS. 7 to 9 show a typical tubular fitting 24 that is usedwith the unit 1/apparatus 2.

Particularly, in order to remove the unit 1 from the carrier 12 a and asurrounding housing 40 comprising a bottom 42 b to which the carrier 12a is mounted and an (e.g. transparent) cover 42 in an easy manner, saidbody 16 of the removable unit 1 (which may also be denoted as aconsumable in the framework of the present invention) is configured tobe connected to said apparatus 2 in a releasable fashion, e.g. by meansof a latching connection that can be manually established or released.

As already indicated above, the unit 1 is particularly designed for afinite number of uses, each use comprising unfastening an end cap 22from the tubular fitting 24, connecting the connector 14 inserted intothe connector holder 26 of the removable unit 1 to the tubular fitting24, disconnecting the connector 14 from the tubular fitting 24, andfastening an end cap 22 received in the second receptacle 20 of thecapsule 290 to the tubular fitting 24. These basic steps will bedescribed in more detail below (see also above).

As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the unit 1 comprises an end cap 22 forclosing the tubular fitting 14 after use, which end cap 22 replaces anold end cap 22 that has been unfastened from the tubular fitting 24before. According to FIGS. 1 and 6, the fresh and particularly sterileend cap 22 for replacement is arranged in the second receptacle 20 thatis formed by a disposable capsule 290 that can be releasably fastened tothe body 16 of the unit 1, wherein said end cap 22 is completelyarranged in said second receptacle 20.

Particularly, the body 16 comprises a recess 20 b for receiving thecapsule 290 in a form fitting manner, wherein the capsule 290 and/or thebody 16 are configured to fasten the capsule 290 to the body 16 by alatching connection when the capsule 290 is arranged in said recess 20b. Particularly, the recess 20 b for receiving the capsule 290 comprisesa lateral wall 20 c for enclosing the capsule 290 at least partiallywhen the capsule 290 is arranged in said recess 20 b. As indicated inFIG. 1, the lateral wall 20 c comprises a discontinuity 20 d arrangedbetween two opposing edges 20 e of the lateral wall 20 c on the top side16 a of the body 16 of the unit 1.

In an embodiment, a recess 294 may formed in each edge 20 e, whichrecesses 294 face each other. These recesses 294 allow for a more easyremoval of the capsule 290 from the recess 20 b since they particularlyincrease flexibility of the edges 20 e that retain the inserted capsule290.

Alternatively, an actuating member 294 may be arranged at each edge 20 efor unlocking the latching connection between the capsule 290 and therecess 20 b/lateral wall 20 c when the capsule 290 is received in saidrecess 20 b.

Furthermore, the capsule 290 comprises a lateral wall 291 surroundingsaid second receptacle 20 as well as a bottom connected (e.g.integrally) to the lateral wall 291 of the capsule 290. Particularly,the lateral wall 291 of the capsule 290 comprises at least one latchingnose 292 that is configured to engage with an associated latching recess293 formed in said lateral wall 20 c of said recess 20 b for receivingthe capsule 290. Alternatively, the lateral wall 20 c of said recess 20b for receiving the capsule 290 comprises at least one latching nose 293that is configured to engage with an associated latching recess 292formed in said lateral wall 291 of the capsule 290. Said latchingnoses/recesses may form part of the latching connection/mechanism forfastening the capsule 290 in its recess 20 b.

Furthermore, as indicated in FIG. 1 for example, the capsule 290 maycomprise an indicator 292 that is configured to indicate whether thecapsule 290 is unused (e.g. comprises a fresh end cap 22, see alsoabove). Particularly, said indicator 292 is arranged on the lateral wall291 of the capsule 290 and can be a window or an indicator 292 thatundergoes a visually perceivable change when the capsule 290 has beenused.

Furthermore, in order to protect the end cap 22 in said secondreceptacle 20, said second receptacle 20 is closed, particularlyhermetically closed, by a closure 23 that is shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, and10. Particularly, the closure 23 comprises a peel-off seal (e.g. foil)23 a, which peel-off seal 23 a is attached to a circumferential faceside 20 a of the capsule 290/lateral wall 291 of the capsule 290 (cf.FIG. 1). Further, said closure 23 comprises a flexible strip 23 bconnected to the peel-off seal 23 a, which strip 23 b comprises a freeend section 23 c which may be configured to be arranged between thebottom 42 b and the cover 42 of the housing 40 of said apparatus 2 suchthat the free end section 23 c of the strip 23 b protrudes out of thehousing 40 and thus forms a handle (having e.g. a flat circular shape)by means of which the peel-off seal 23 a can be peeled off the capsule290 from outside said housing 40 by simply pulling on the free endsection 23 c (e.g. with two fingers).

For further protection of the end cap 22, the unit 1 can comprise aflexible carrier member 25, particularly a sponge 25, that carries ananti-bacterial agent or fluid, and is in contact with said end cap 22and also arranged in the second receptacle 20 (together with the end cap22). Particularly, the flexible carrier member 25 can be inserted intothe end cap 22 as shown in FIG. 5A, particularly into said innercylindrical protrusion 22 c of the end cap 22.

As already indicated above, the body 16 of the unit 1 is configured tobe connected to said movable carrier 12 a of said apparatus 2 (cf. FIG.10) in a releasable fashion, wherein particularly said carrier 12 a ismovable with respect to the bottom 42 b of the housing 40 of theapparatus 2 so that the removable unit 1 can be moved together with saidcarrier 12 a inside said housing 40 in the different positions P, P′,and P″ that will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 2 and 10.

Further, the body 16 comprises a top side 16 a, wherein two (e.g.circular) through-holes 16 b are formed in the body 16 on the top side16 a which are each configured to receive an associated pin 120 thatprotrudes from said carrier 12 a (cf. FIG. 10) when the body 16 isconnected to the carrier 12 a, wherein particularly a face side of therespective pin 120 is flush with the top side 16 a when the removableunit 1 is connected properly to the carrier 12 a of the apparatus 2.

Furthermore, in order to have the connector 14 inserted correctly, thetop side 16 a comprises a through-hole 168 a (e.g. having a contour inthe form of a frangible inline seal) which indicates the position of afrangible inline seal 168 of a first conduit 14 a of the connector 14.

Particularly, for establishing said releasable connection between thebody 16 and the carrier 12 a, the body 16 comprises two opposinginternal surfaces 160 (cf. schematic detail of FIG. 1 in dashed circle)wherein said internal surfaces face each other, and wherein a latchingmeans 161, particularly a latching nose, is provided on each internalsurface for engaging with a complementary latching means, particularly arecess 161 a, of the carrier 12 a.

Further, the body 16 comprises a front side wall 16 c which faces atubular fitting 24 that shall be connected to the connector 24 ordisconnected from the connector 14 and an opposing back side wall 16 d(cf. e.g. FIG. 1) via which the conduits 14 a, 14 b of the connector 14exit the apparatus 2.

Furthermore, the connector holder 26 comprises a recess 260 (cf. e.g.FIG. 2) for receiving the connector 14 as shown in FIG. 10, which recess260 is arranged on the top side 16 a of the body 16 and extends from thefront side wall 16 c to the back side wall 16 d of the body 16.

Particularly, said recess 260 for receiving the connector 14 comprisesan end region 261 extending from the front side wall 16 c in thedirection of the back side wall 16 d, which end region 261 then branchesout into a first and a second region 262, 263 of the recess 260 thatextend from said end region 261 to the back side wall 16 d,respectively.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the end region 261 ofthe recess 260 is surrounded by a slight (rounded) protrusion 266 on thetop side 16 a on either side of said portion of the end region 261. Thisprotrusion 266 helps the user to place/insert the connector 14 correctlyinto the recess 260.

Particularly, the Y-shape of the recess 260 allows insertion of aY-shaped connector 14 (cf. FIG. 10) into the single regions 261, 262,263 of the recess 260, which connector 14 comprises a first conduit 14 aand a second conduit 14 b, wherein the two conduits 14 a, 14 b branchoff from an end section 14 c of the connector 14, via which end section14 c the connector 14 is configured to be connected to said tubularfitting 24, wherein the end region 261 is configured to receive said endsection 14 c of the connector 14, and wherein the first region 262 isconfigured to receive the first conduit 14 a, and wherein the secondregion 263 is configured to receive the second conduit 14 b.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 110, (e.g. in case of APD), theconnector comprises only a single conduit 14 aa connected to the endsection 14 c of the connector 14, which single conduit 14 aa isconfigured to be arranged in the second region 263.

For properly holding the connector 14 in the recess 260, the connectorholder/recess 260 comprises a plurality of holding means, which will bedescribed in more detail in the following.

Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the removable unit 1 comprisesan e.g. U-shaped protrusion 162 protruding from the front side wall 16 cand extending along the end region 261 of the recess 260 on the frontside wall 16 c, wherein said protrusion 162 is configured to aninclination of the end section 14 c of the connector 14 with respect toan axial direction A of the end section 14 c when said end section 14 cis inserted in said end region 261 of the recess 260, particularly saidprotrusion 162 comprises two opposing parallel sections 162 a that areintegrally connected by a lower curved section 162 b which parallelsections 162 a and curved section 162 b are configured to butt againstsaid end section 14 c in a form fitting manner to prevent saidinclination.

Further, according to an embodiment, the end region 261 of the recess260 may comprise an (e.g. rectangular) cross sectional contour 260 c ina plane perpendicular to said axial direction A, wherein the end section14 c of the connector 14 comprises a shape in the region of said contour260 c so that the connector 14 cannot be rotated about the axialdirection A when it is inserted into the recess 260. Particularly saidshape of the connector 14 may be formed by four wings 144 that protrudefrom the end section 14 c and engage with said contour 260 c of therecess 260.

Further, the body 16 comprises two holding means or parts 163 arrangedon the top side 16 a of the body 16, wherein the two holding means 163are arranged on opposing side walls 261 a, 261 b of the end region 261of the recess 260 for holding the end section 14 c of the connector 14in place in the end region 261 of the recess 260 when said end section14 c is arranged in said end region 261 of the recess 260.

Particularly, each of said two holding means 163 comprises a free end,wherein the respective free end protrudes past the associated side wall261 a, 261 b of the end region 261 of the recess 260, which two sidewalls 261 a, 261 b of said end region 261 of the recess 260 face eachother. Thus, the fee ends of the holding means 162 can engage over anend section 14 c of the connector 14 that is inserted into the endregion 261 of the recess 260 to hold the end section 14 c in place inthe recess 260.

Furthermore, particularly, the body 16 comprises two holding means orparts 164, wherein each of said holding means 164 forms a toothstructure 164, and wherein the respective tooth structure protrudes froman associated sidewall 261 a, 261 b of the end region 261 of the recess260, wherein said two sidewalls 261 a, 261 b, and tooth structures 164face each other. Thus, the tooth structures 164 can clamp the endsection 14 c of the connector from both sides and are thus configured toprevent a movement of the end section 14 c of the connector 14 in anaxial direction A when said end section 14 c of the connector 14 isarranged in said end region 261 of the recess 260 and a force pulls saidend section 14 in said axial direction A and into the teeth of the toothstructures 164. Other abrasive structures may also be used.

Furthermore, the body 16 comprises a holding means or part 165 arrangedin the first region 262 of the recess 262, which holding means 165 isconfigured to clamp the first conduit 14 a of the connector 14 when saidfirst conduit 14 a is arranged in the first region 262 of the recess 260to hold the first conduit 14 a in place, particularly without hinderingfluid flow through the first conduit 14 a. Particularly said holdingmeans 165 comprises a curved edge for tightly encompassing the firstconduit 14 a.

In the same manner, the body 16 particularly comprises another holdingmeans or part 165 arranged in the second region 263 of the recess 260,which holding means 165 is in turn configured to clamp the secondconduit 14 b of the connector 14 (or said single conduit 14 aa, cf.FIGS. 11A to 11C) when said second conduit 14 b is arranged in thesecond region 263 of the recess 260 to hold the second conduit 14 a inplace, particularly without hindering fluid flow through the firstconduit 14 a. Particularly, also here, said holding means 165 comprisesa curved edge for tightly encompassing the second conduit 14 b.

Furthermore, particularly, the body 16 comprises a holding means or part166 arranged in the first region 262 of the recess 260 at the back sidewall 16 d, which holding means 166 is configured to clamp the firstconduit 14 a of the connector 14 when said first conduit 14 a isarranged in the first region 262 of the recess 260, wherein particularlysaid holding means 166 is configured to encompass said first conduit,e.g. by means of a curved edge for tightly encompassing the firstconduit 14 a. Further, said holding means 166 comprises a slot 166 aextending from said edge into which slot 166 a the first conduit 14 acan be pushed so that the first conduit 14 a is blocked for the passageof fluid through the first conduit 14 a.

Likewise, the body 16 further comprises such a holding means or part 166arranged in the second region 263 of the recess 260 at the back sidewall 16 d, which holding means 166 is in turn configured to clamp thesecond conduit 14 b of the connector 14 when said second conduit 14 b isarranged in the second region 263 of the recess 260, particularly bymeans of a curved edge for tightly encompassing the second conduit 14 b.Also here said holding means 166 of the second region 263 comprises aslot 166 b extending from said edge, into which slot the second conduit14 b can be pushed so that the second conduit 14 b is blocked for thepassage of fluid through the second conduit 14 b.

The actuating members 200, 300, 400 (cf. FIG. 10) by means of which thefrangible seal 168 can be broken and the conduits 14 a, 14 b can beblocked will be described in detail below.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show alternative holding means 166 which may be usedinstead of the holding means 166 comprising said slots 166 a and 166 b.

Particularly, here, the holding means 166 of the first region 262 of therecess 260 comprises a clamping surface 166 c and a pivotable clampingarm 166 d, wherein the clamping arm 166 d can be pivoted towards theparticularly inclined clamping surface 166 c into a clamping position sothat the first conduit 14 a (cf. FIG. 10) is blocked when it is clampedbetween said clamping surface 166 c and the clamping arm 166 d.

Analogously, the holding means 166 arranged in the second region 263 ofthe recess 260 at the back side wall 16 d, can comprises a clampingsurface 166 e and a pivotable clamping arm 166 f, too, wherein theclamping arm 166 f is in turn configured to be pivoted towards theclamping surface 166 e into a clamping position so that the secondconduit 14 b or said at least one conduit 14 aa is blocked when it isclamped between said clamping surface 166 e and said clamping arm 166 f.

Further, the clamping arm 166 d of the holding means 166 of the firstregion 262 of the recess 260 can be configured to be pivoted towards theassociated clamping surface 166 c by means of the second actuatingmember 300 of the apparatus (see also below and FIG. 10). Likewise, theclamping arm 166 f of the holding means 166 of the second region 263 ofthe recess 260 can be configured to be pivoted towards the associatedclamping surface 166 e by means of the third actuating member 400 of theapparatus 2 (see also below and FIG. 10).

Furthermore, the respective holding means 166 may comprise a hook 166 g,166 h for engaging with the respective clamping arm 166 d, 166 f so asto hold the respective clamping arm 166 d, 166 f in its clampingposition. When the respective arm 166 d, 166 f is engaged with therespective hook 166 g, 166 g, the respective conduit 14 a, 14 b, 14 aais clamped between the associated clamping surface 166 c, 166 e and theassociated clamping arm 166 d, 166 f and is therefore blocked.

Furthermore, each holding means 166 may comprise a guiding arm 166 i,166 j for guiding a movement of the respective second or third actuatingmember 300, 400 upon pivoting the respective clamping arm 166 d, 166 ftowards the associated clamping surface 166 c, 166 e.

Particularly, in FIG. 13, the capsule 290 may also form an integral partof the body 16 of the unit 1 that cannot be removed from the body 16(see also above).

Furthermore, the body 16 comprises a first and a second latching nose167 a, 167 b at the first region 262 of the recess 260, wherein therespective latching nose 167 a, 167 b is configured to engage anassociated (first and second) actuating member 200, 300 of the apparatus2 so as to hold the respective actuating member 200, 300 in a pressedposition. Particularly the first latching nose 167 a is configured toengage with a first actuating member 200 of the apparatus 2 that isconfigured to break said frangible inline seal 168 of the first conduit14 a and to keep the first conduit 14 a open for the passage of fluid,and wherein particularly the second latching nose 167 b is configured toengage with a second actuating member 300 of the apparatus 2 that isconfigured to press the first conduit 14 a in said slot 166 a.

Furthermore, the body 16 comprises a third latching nose 167 c at thesecond region 263 of the recess 260, wherein said third latching nose167 c is configured to engage an associated third actuating member 400of the apparatus 2 so as to hold said third actuating member 400 in apressed position. Particularly, the third latching nose 167 c isconfigured to engage with said third actuating member 400 of theapparatus 2 that is configured to press the second conduit 14 b in saidslot 166 b.

Furthermore, in order to protect the apparatus from spilled fluid fromthe fluid lines that are connected or disconnected by means of theapparatus 2, the removable unit comprises a drip pan 360 that protrudesfrom the front side wall 16 c of said body 16 and is arranged below theend region 261 of the recess 260 as well as below the first receptacle18 to receive said leakage fluid. Preferably, said drip pan 360comprises a plurality of dents 363 for receiving said spilled fluid.Which plurality of dents 363 allows to hold and calm the leakage fluid.

Furthermore, the body 16 may comprise a centering means 361 for guidinga movement of the removable unit 1 in the axial direction A, whichcentering means 361 is arranged (at least in sections) on the drip pan360. Particularly, said centering means 361 is formed as a recess 361 ofthe drip pan 360 for receiving a guiding means, particularly a guidingpin 361 a of the apparatus 2, which guiding pin 361 a is schematicallyindicated in FIG. 1).

The drip pan 360 preferably comprises a recess 362 that extends parallelto the recess 361 and allows to arrange the removable unit 1 on thecarrier 12 a in the first position P (this recess 362 then receives theguiding pin 361 a).

Furthermore, FIGS. 7 to 9 show an embodiment of a tubular fitting 24 foruse with a removable unit 1/apparatus 2 according to the invention,wherein the tubular fitting 24 is configured to be received by anopening 46 of a body 44 of a holder assembly 28 of said apparatus 2 asindicated in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the tubular fitting 24 comprises a firstportion 24 a and an adjacent second portion 24 b comprising an opening24 c. Particularly, the second portion 24 b is configured such that anend cap 22 according to the present invention can be fastened to thesecond portion 24 b by plugging the end cap 22 into said opening 24 c ofsaid second portion 24 b, and wherein the second portion 24 b isconfigured such that an end cap 22 can be unfastened from the secondportion 24 b by pulling the end cap 22 out of said opening 24 c. Pleasenote that an end cap 22 is not shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, but can replacethe connector 14 shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 when the connector is removedfrom the tubular fitting 24.

Further, particularly, the second portion 24 b is configured such thatthe connector 14 can be connected to the second portion 24 b by pluggingthe connector 14 into said opening 24 c of said second portion 24 b, andwherein the second portion 24 b is configured such that a connector 14can be disconnected from the second portion 24 b by pulling theconnector 14 out of said opening 24 c.

Furthermore, the tubular fitting 24 comprises a removable clamp 800 (cf.e.g. FIGS. 7 and 8) for arresting the connector 14 with respect to thesecond portion 24 b when the connector 14 is connected to the secondportion 24 b, wherein particularly the clamp 800 is configured to beconnected to the second portion 14 b, particularly by means of a clip-onconnection, wherein particularly the clamp 800 encompasses the secondportion 24 b when it is connected to the second portion 24 b.

For this, the clamp 800 preferably comprises curved arms 801 (cf. alsoFIGS. 11A to 110) extending from a base 802 of the clamp 800 in aperipheral direction of the second portion 24 b for tightly encompassingthe second portion 24 b which establishes the clip-on connection.

Furthermore, the clipped-on clamp 800 covers a portion of the shroud607/opening 24 c and of said opening 24 c when the clamp 800 isconnected to the second portion 24 b, wherein the clamp 800 isconfigured to engage behind a portion of the connector 14 when theconnector 14 is connected to the second portion 24 b so that theconnector 14 cannot be disconnected from the second portion 24 b.

Furthermore, for defining a location of the clamp 800 on the secondportion 24 b, the clamp 800 comprises a protrusion 804 for insertioninto a circumferential groove 805 of the second portion 24 b when theclamp 800 is connected to the second portion 24 b.

Further, the clamp 800, comprises a through-hole 803 in a region wherethe arms 801 project from the base 802, such that a flap 806 is formedthat is hinged to the base 802 in a flexible manner (e.g. via integralhinges 807 on either side of the hole 803). This allows to remove theclamp 800 manually from the tubular fitting 24 by lifting the flap 806away from the fitting 24.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 the second portion 24 b is formed as an adapter(or the tubular fitting 24 is formed as an adapter when the firstportion 24 a is not considered as a component of the tubularfitting/adapter 24, but as a part of a catheter etc.), which comprises afirst recess 600 at a first end of the adapter 24 b, which first recess600 comprises an internal thread 602 configured to be rotationallyfastened to an external thread 603 of the first portion 24 a, andwherein the adapter 24 b comprises a shroud 607 at an opposite secondend of the adapter 24 b, which shroud 607 surrounds a second recess 609of the adapter 24 b into which a protrusion 610 of the adapter 24 bprotrudes, which protrusion 610 comprises said opening 24 c of theadapter 24 b such that the shroud 607 surrounds said protrusion 610 andsaid opening 24 c of the adapter 24 b, wherein the shroud 607 iscoaxially arranged with respect to said protrusion 610.

Alternatively, the first and second portion 24 a, 24 b may be integrallyconnected to one another.

FIG. 10 shows the unit 1 when installed into the apparatus 2. As shownin FIG. 10 the apparatus 2 comprises a means for operating said cradleassembly 12, which means may comprise an actuating means 702 that maycomprise a handle 703 that is accessible from outside said housing 40 ofthe apparatus 2 so that said cradle assembly 12, particularly theremovable unit 1 is reciprocable (or can be moved back and forth) in a(transverse) first direction D (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2) relative to saidholder assembly 28 between a first position P, a second position P′, anda third position P″. These positions with respect to the tubular fitting24 that is inserted into the holder assembly 28 are indicated in FIG. 2with arrows.

The cradle assembly 12 may be guided by a guiding means and said meansfor operating the cradle assembly 12 may be configured to e.g.mechanically transform a force on an actuating element 702 comprisingparticularly a handle 703 for manual actuation by a user into a linearmovement of the cradle assembly 12 (and particularly holder assembly 28)between the positions P, P′, and P″. Means 30 may also comprise a drivesuch as an (e.g. electrical) motor 31, particularly for moving thecradle assembly 12 between said positions P, P′, P″. The actuatingelement 702, 703 may then be configured for triggering said drive.

Further, said holder assembly 28 includes a body 44 having an opening 46for receiving the tubular fitting 24. The tubular fitting 24 maycomprise recesses for engaging with the body 44 in the region of saidopening 46 of the body 44. Further, particularly when the holderassembly 28 is non-moving, the tubular fitting 24 can be allowed toslide back and forth in the opening 46 in the axial direction A.However, in the embodiment shown in

FIG. 10, the tubular fitting 24 cannot move in the axial direction Awith respect to the holder assembly 28.

Furthermore, as indicated in FIG. 2, the cradle assembly 12/unit 1 isconfigured to be movable in each of said positions P, P′, P″ towards andaway from the holder assembly 28 by means of said means for operatingthe cradle assembly (e.g. by using said actuating means 702 andparticularly handle 703) in a second direction D′ running perpendicularto said first direction D. Other ways of actuation are also conceivable.

Particularly, when the cradle assembly 12/unit 1 is in the firstposition P, as indicated in FIG. 2, the cradle assembly 12 is movableaway from the holder assembly 28 (cf. FIG. 10), so as to unfasten an endcap 22 received in the first port 18 that is fastened to the tubularfitting 24 from said tubular fitting 24, which in turn is inserted intothe holder assembly 28, namely in the corresponding opening 46 (cf. FIG.10).

From there, the cradle assembly 12/unit 1 is moveable into the second(transverse) position P′ as well as towards the holder assembly 28 so asto connect a connector 14 inserted into the connector holder 26/recess260 to the tubular fitting 24 so that a flow connection can beestablished between the tubular fitting 24 and the connector 14. Whenthe fluid delivery procedure (which will be described below) is over,the cradle assembly 12/removable unit 1 is moveable away from the holderassembly 28 as indicated by the arrow D′ shown in FIG. 2, so as todisconnect the connector 14 from the tubular fitting 24.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the apparatus 2 comprises an openable orremovable cover 42 of the housing 40. The cover 42 is preferably atleast partially or completely transparent, particularly so as to be ableto observe the fastening/unfastening of the end caps 22 and theconnecting of the tubular fitting 24 to the connector 14 as well as thedisconnecting of the tubular fitting 24 from the connector 14.

Further, the holder assembly 28 may be configured to let the tubularfitting 24 move or slide with the cradle assembly 12/removable unit 1when the cradle assembly 12 is in the second position, such that amember 240 of the tubular fitting 24 protrudes at least partially out ofthe housing 40 (this member 240 is also shown in FIGS. 27 and 28), e.g.through a through hole 41 formed in the housing 40. Thus, the member 240is accessible from outside the housing 40 when the tubular fitting 24 isconnected to the connector 14 so that the tubular fitting 24 can beopened (e.g. by rotating member 240) and fluid can pass the tubularfitting 24. However, here, particularly, the tubular fitting 24 isnon-moving in the axial direction A and said member 240 protrudes out ofthe housing 40 regardless of the position/movement of the removable unit1.

Further, as indicated in FIG. 2, when the cradle assembly 12/unit 1 isin the second position P′ and is moved away from the holder assembly 28,the tubular fitting 24 may also move with the cradle assembly 12 in thebeginning so that said member 240 is again positioned inside acompartment defined by the housing 40 and cannot be rotated from outsidethe housing 40 to ensure that the tubular fitting 24 that has beenclosed by means of member 240 before disconnecting the tubular fitting24 from the connector 14 cannot be opened again so that fluid can belost.

Further, from the second position shown in FIG. 2, the cradle assembly12 is movable into the third position P″ and towards the holder assembly28 so that a new end cap 22 that is arranged in the second receptacle 20can be fastened to the tubular fitting 24. In this position, the member240 protrudes again or still out of the housing 40 through opening 41.

Before the new end cap 22 can be fastened to the tubular fitting 24, thepeel-off seal 23 a described above is removed from the capsule 290 thathas been inserted into the recess 20 b in beforehand, so that the endcap 22 is accessible for a connection with the tubular fitting 24 (seealso above).

Furthermore, for operating the connector 14, the apparatus 2 comprisessaid recess 260 formed on the top side 16 a of the body 16 of theremovable unit 12.

When the tubular fitting 24 has been connected to the connector 14 asintended (e.g. FIGS. 10), the first actuating member 200 is pressed viaa button 201 so that said frangible inline seal 168 is broken.

This allows flushing of the conduits 14 a, 14 b while the tubular member24 is still closed.

Thus fluid (e.g. from a fluid bag) enters the first conduit 14 a, ispassed into the second conduit 14 b and ends up e.g. in a fluid wastebag connected to the second conduit 14 b.

When the conduits 14 a, 14 b have been flushed, a third actuating member400 is pressed via a button 401 so as to interrupt the passage of fluidthrough the second conduit 14 b arranged in the second region 262 of therecess 260 of the removable unit 1. To accomplish this, the thirdactuating member 400 is configured to press the second conduit 14 b intothe associated slot 166 b so that the second conduit 14 b is compressedand thereby sealed in the slot 166 b. Now, the member 240 is actuatedand fluid passes from the first conduit 14 a via the tubular fitting 24to a catheter of the patient.

Finally, to end fluid delivery, the member 240 is actuated to close thetubular fitting 24 and a second actuating member 300 (cf. FIG. 10) ispressed via a button 301 so as to interrupt the passage of fluid throughthe first conduit 14 a being arranged in the first region 262 of therecess 260. Again, to accomplish this, the second actuating member 300is configured to press the first conduit 14 a into the associated slot166 a so that the first conduit 14 a is compressed and thereby sealed inthe slot 166 a.

Now, the connector 14 can be disconnected from the tubular fitting 24and a new end cap 22 received in the second receptacle 20 can befastened to the tubular fitting 24 as described above.

Alternatively, as already indicated above, instead of the slots 166 a,166 b, the holding means 166 comprising said clamping surfaces 166 c,166 e and clamping arms 166 d, 166 f may be used to block/seal thefirst, second or at least one conduit 14, 14 b, 14 aa by actuating thecorresponding (second or third) actuating member 300, 400. Here, asalready described above, the clamping arm 166 d can be pivoteddownwards/towards its clamping surface 166 c by means of the secondactuating member 300 (i.e. by pushing button 301) for sealing the firstconduit 14 a. Further, the clamping arm 166 f can be pivoteddownwards/towards its associate clamping surface 166 e by means of thethird actuating member 400 (i.e. by pushing button 401) for sealing thesecond conduit 14 b or the at least one conduit 14 aa.

It is to be noted, that the actuating members 200, 300, 400 arepreferably mounted such to the housing 40 or with respect to the recess260 of the cradle assembly 12/removable unit 1 that the cradle assembly12 can move relative to the actuating members 200, 300, 400, but thelatter are able to engage with the respective conduit 14 a, 14 b asdescribed above, when the cradle assembly 12 resides in the secondposition P′ and has been moved towards the holder assembly 28 so thatthe connector 14 is properly connected to the tubular fitting 24.

Preferably, the buttons 201, 301, 401 are labeled by means of apictogram, respectively, so as to describe their specific function to auser. This allows a description of the function of the buttons 201, 301,401 that is independent of any language and universally understandable.The buttons may also be labeled by means of numbers that indicate theorder of operation of the buttons.

Most preferably, in the framework of the present invention as describedherein, the connecting and/or disconnecting of connector 14 and tubularfitting 24 (as well as recapping) is performed by one of: a patientusing the apparatus at home (e.g. a home dialysis patient), by acaregiver using the apparatus at the patient's home or within a healthcare facility, or by a healthcare professional using the apparatus atthe patient's home or in a health care facility.

1. A unit (1) for an apparatus (2) for connecting and disconnecting atubular fitting (24) to a connector (14), comprising: a body (16)having: a first receptacle (18) and a second receptacle (20), whereineach of said receptacles is configured for holding an end cap (22) ofthe tubular fitting (24), and a connector holder (26) configured foraccommodating insertion of the connector (14); wherein the unit (1)comprises a capsule (290) that is configured to be connected to saidbody (16) in a releasable fashion, wherein said capsule (290) comprisessaid second receptacle (20).
 2. The unit according to claim 1,characterized in that the body (16) comprises a recess (20 b) forreceiving the capsule (290) in a form fitting manner.
 3. The unitaccording to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the capsule (290)and/or the body (16) are configured to fasten the capsule (290) to thebody (16) by a latching connection when the capsule (290) is arranged insaid recess (20 b).
 4. The unit according claim 2 or 3, characterized inthat the recess (20 b) for receiving the capsule (290) comprises alateral wall (20 c) for enclosing the capsule (290) at least partiallywhen the capsule (290) is arranged in said recess (20 b).
 5. The unitaccording claim 4, characterized in that the lateral wall (20 c)comprises a discontinuity (20 d) arranged between two opposing edges (20e) of the lateral wall (20 c).
 6. The unit according claim 5,characterized in that a recess (294) is formed in each edge (20 e),which recesses (294) face each other.
 7. The unit according claims 3 and5, characterized in that an actuating member (294) is arranged at eachedge (20 e) for unlocking the latching connection between the capsule(290) and the recess (20 b).
 8. The unit according to one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the capsule (290) comprises alateral wall (291) surrounding said second receptacle (20).
 9. The unitaccording to claim 8, characterized in that the lateral wall (291) ofthe capsule (290) comprises at least one latching nose (292) that isconfigured to engage with an associated latching recess (293) formed insaid lateral wall (20 c) of said recess (20 b) for receiving the capsule(290), or wherein the lateral wall (20 c) of said recess (20 b) forreceiving the capsule (290) comprises at least one latching nose (293)that is configured to engage with an associated latching recess (292)formed in said lateral wall (291) of the capsule (290).
 10. The unitaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thecapsule (290) comprises an indicator (292) that is configured toindicate whether the capsule (290) is unused.
 11. The unit according toone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unit (1) is aremovable unit (1), wherein said body (16) is configured to be connectedto said apparatus (2) in a releasable fashion.
 12. The unit according toone of the preceding claims, characterized in that said body (16)comprises a latching means (161, 161 a), which latching means (161, 161a) particularly comprises at least one latching nose and/or at least onelatching recess for connecting the body (16) in a releasable fashion tosaid apparatus (2).
 13. The unit according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the unit (1) is configured to besterilized for allowing multiple uses, or wherein the unit (1) is adisposable unit (1) that is designed for one of: a single use,particularly comprising unfastening an end cap (22) from the tubularfitting (24), connecting the connector (14) inserted into the connectorholder (26) to the tubular fitting (24), disconnecting the connector(14) from the tubular fitting (24), and fastening an end cap (22)received in the second receptacle (20) to the tubular fitting (24); afinite number of uses.
 14. The unit according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the unit (1) comprises an end cap (22)arranged in said second receptacle (20) formed by the capsule (290),wherein particularly said end cap (22) is completely arranged in saidsecond receptacle (20).
 15. The unit according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that said second receptacle (20) of the capsule(290) is closed, particularly hermetically closed, by a closure (23)comprising a peel-off seal (23 a), which peel-off seal (23 a) isparticularly attached to a circumferential face side (20 a) of thelateral wall (291) of the capsule (290).
 16. The unit according to claim15, characterized in that said closure (23) comprises a flexible strip(23 b) connected to the peel-off seal (23 a), which strip (23 b)comprises a free end section (23 c) that forms a handle by means ofwhich the peel-off seal (23 a) can be peeled off the lateral wall (291)of the capsule (290), particularly from outside or inside a housing (40)of the apparatus (2), wherein particularly said free end section (23 c)is configured to be arranged between a bottom (42 b) and a cover (42) ofsaid housing (40) such that the free end section (23 c) of the strip (23b) protrudes out of the housing (40).
 17. The unit according to one ofthe claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a flexible carrier member(25), particularly a sponge (25), that carries an anti-bacterial agentor fluid, is in contact with said end cap (22) and is arranged in thesecond receptacle (20) of the capsule (290).
 18. The unit according toone of the claims 14 to 17, characterized in that said end cap (22)comprises a disinfectant, wherein particularly said end cap (22) is atleast partially or completely formed out of said disinfectant, orcomprises a coating comprising said disinfectant.
 19. The unit accordingto one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (16) isconfigured to be connected to a movable carrier (12 a) of said apparatus(2) in a releasable fashion, wherein particularly said carrier (12 a) ismovable with respect to the bottom (42 b) of the housing (40) of theapparatus (2) so that the unit (1) can be moved together with saidcarrier (12 a) inside said housing (40).
 20. The unit according to oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (16) comprises atop side (16 a).
 21. The unit according to claims 19 and 20,characterized in that two through-holes (16 b) are formed in the body(16) on the top side which are each configured to receive an associatedpin (120) protruding from said carrier (12 a) when the body (16) isconnected to the carrier (12 a), wherein particularly a face side of therespective pin (120) is flush with the top side (16 a) when the unit (1)is connected to the carrier (12 a).
 22. The unit according to claim 20or 21, characterized in that the top side (16 a) comprises athrough-hole (168 a) which indicates the position of a frangible inlineseal (168) of a first conduit (14 a) of the connector (14).
 23. The unitaccording to claim 19 or one of the claims 20 to 22 when referring toclaim 19, characterized in that for establishing said releasableconnection between the body (16) and the carrier (12 a), the body (16)comprises two opposing internal surfaces (160) wherein said internalsurfaces face each other, and wherein a latching means (161),particularly a latching nose (161), is provided on each internal surface(160) for engaging with a complementary latching means (161 a),particularly a recess (161 a), of the carrier (12 a).
 24. The unitaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body(16) comprises a front side wall (16 c) and an opposing back side wall(16 d).
 25. The unit according to claims 2 and 24, characterized in thatthe recess (20 b) for receiving the capsule (290) is arranged on thefront side wall (16 c) of the body (16).
 26. The unit according toclaims 20 and 24, characterized in that the connector holder (26)comprises a recess (260) for receiving the connector (14), which recess(260) is arranged on the top side (16 a) and extends from the front sidewall (16 c) to the back side wall (16 d) of the body (16).
 27. The unitaccording to claim 26, characterized in that the recess (260) forreceiving the connector (14) comprises an end region (261) extendingfrom the front side wall (16 c), which end region (261) branches outinto a first and a second region (262, 263) that extend from said endregion (261) to the back side wall (16 d), respectively, wherein saidrecess (260) for receiving the connector (14) is configured to receive aconnector (14), which connector (14) particularly comprises at least oneconduit (14 aa), which is connected to an end section (14 c) of theconnector (14), via which end section (14 c) the connector (14) isconfigured to be connected to said tubular fitting (24), wherein the endregion (261) is configured to receive said end section (14 c) of theconnector (14), and wherein the second region (263) is configured toreceive said at least one conduit (14 aa), or a first conduit (14 a) anda second conduit (14 b), wherein the two conduits (14 a, 14 b) branchoff from an end section (14 c) of the connector (14), via which endsection (14 c) the connector (14) is configured to be connected to saidtubular fitting (24), wherein the end region (261) is configured toreceive said end section (14 c) of the connector (14), and wherein thefirst region (262) is configured to receive the first conduit (14 a),and wherein the second region (263) is configured to receive the secondconduit (14 b).
 28. The unit according to claims 24 and 27,characterized in that the unit (1) comprises a protrusion (162)protruding from the front side wall (16 c) and extending along the endregion (261) of the recess (260) on the front side wall (16 c), whereinparticularly said protrusion (162) is configured to prevent aninclination of the end section (14 c) of the connector (14) with respectto an axial direction (A) of the end section (14 c) when said endsection (14 c) is inserted in said end region (261) of the recess (260).29. The unit according to claims 20 and 27, characterized in that thebody (16) comprises two holding means (163) arranged on the top side (16a) of the body (16), wherein the two holding means (163) are arranged onopposing side walls (261 a, 261 b) of the end region (261) of the recess(260) for holding the end section (14 c) of the connector (14) in theend region (261) of the recess (260) when said end section (14 c) isarranged in said end region (261) of the recess (260).
 30. The unitaccording to claim 27 or according to one of the claims 28 to 29 whenreferring to claim 27, characterized in that the body (16) comprises twoholding means (164), wherein each of said holding means (164) forms atooth structure (164), and wherein the respective holding means (164)protrudes from an associated sidewall (261 a, 261 b) of the end region(261) of the recess (260), wherein said two sidewalls face each other,and wherein said tooth structures are configured to prevent a movementof the end section (14 c) of the connector (14) in an axial direction(A) when said end section of the connector (14) is arranged in said endregion (261) of the recess (260) and a force pulls said end section insaid axial direction (A).
 31. The unit according to claim 27 oraccording to one of the claims 28 to 30 when referring to claim 27,characterized in that the body (16) comprises a holding means (165)arranged in the first region (262) of the recess (262), which holdingmeans (165) is configured to clamp the first conduit (14 a) of theconnector (14) when said first conduit (14 a) is arranged in the firstregion (262) of the recess (260), and/or wherein the body (16) comprisesa holding means (165) arranged in the second region (263) of the recess(260), which holding means (165) is configured to clamp the secondconduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14 aa) of the connector(14) when said second conduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14aa) is arranged in the second region (263) of the recess (260).
 32. Theunit according to claim 24 and according to one of the claims 27 to 31,characterized in that the body (16) comprises a holding means (166)arranged in the first region (262) of the recess (260) at the back sidewall (16 d), which holding means (166) is configured to clamp the firstconduit (14 a) of the connector (14) when said first conduit (14 a) isarranged in the first region (262) of the recess (260), wherein saidholding means (166) comprises a slot (166 a) into which the firstconduit (14 a) can be pushed so that the first conduit (14 a) isblocked, and/or wherein the body (16) comprises a holding means (166)arranged in the second region (263) of the recess (260) at the back sidewall (16 d), which holding means (166) is configured to clamp the secondconduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14 aa) of the connector(14) when said second conduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14aa) is arranged in the second region (263) of the recess (260), andwherein said holding means (166) comprises a slot (166 b) into which thesecond conduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14 aa) can be pushedso that the second conduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14 aa)is blocked.
 33. The unit according to claim 24 and according to one ofthe claims 27 to 31, characterized in that the body (16) comprises aholding means (166) arranged in the first region (262) of the recess(260) at the back side wall (16 d), which holding means (166) isconfigured to clamp the first conduit (14 a) of the connector (14) whensaid first conduit (14 a) is arranged in the first region (262) of therecess (260), wherein said holding means (166) comprises a clampingsurface (166 c) and a pivotable clamping arm (166 d), wherein theclamping arm (166 d) is configured to be pivoted towards the clampingsurface (166 c) into a clamping position so that the first conduit (14a) is blocked when it is clamped between said clamping surface (166 c)and the clamping arm (166 d), and/or wherein the body (16) comprises aholding means (166) arranged in the second region (263) of the recess(260) at the back side wall (16 d), which holding means (166) isconfigured to clamp the second conduit (14 b) or said at least oneconduit (14 aa) of the connector (14) when said second conduit (14 b) orsaid at least one conduit (14 aa) is arranged in the second region (263)of the recess (260), wherein said holding means (166) comprises aclamping surface (166 e) and a pivotable clamping arm (166 f), whereinthe clamping arm (166 f) is configured to be pivoted towards theclamping surface (166 e) into a clamping position so that the secondconduit (14 b) or said at least one conduit (14 aa) is blocked when itis clamped between said clamping surface (166 e) and said clamping arm(166 f).
 34. The unit according to claim 33, characterized in that theclamping arm (166 d) of the holding means (166) of the first region(262) of the recess (260) is configured to be pivoted towards theassociated clamping surface (166 c) by means of an actuating member(300) of the apparatus (2) and/or wherein the clamping arm (166 f) ofthe holding means (166) of the second region (263) of the recess (260)is configured to be pivoted towards the associated clamping surface (166e) by means of an actuating member (400) of the apparatus (2).
 35. Theunit according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the holdingmeans (166) of the first region (262) of the recess (260) comprises ahook (166 g) for engaging with the clamping arm (166 d) so as to holdthe clamping arm (166 d) in its clamping position, and/or wherein theholding means (166) of the second region (263) of the recess (260)comprises a hook (166 h) for engaging with the clamping arm (166 f) soas to hold the clamping arm (166 f) in its clamping position.
 36. Theunit according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the holdingmeans (166) of the first region (262) of the recess (260) comprises aguiding arm (166 i) for guiding said actuating member (300) of theapparatus (2), and/or wherein the holding means (166) of the secondregion (263) of the recess (260) comprises a guiding arm (166 j) forguiding said actuating member (400) of the apparatus (2).
 37. The unitaccording to claim 27 or according to one of the claims 28 to 36 whenreferring to claim 27, characterized in that the body (16) comprises afirst and a second latching nose (167 a, 167 b) at the first region(262) of the recess (260), wherein the respective latching nose (167 a,167 b) is configured to engage an associated actuating member (200, 300)of the apparatus (2) so as to hold the respective actuating member (200,300) in a pressed position, and/or wherein the body (16) comprises athird latching nose (167 c) at the second region (263) of the recess(260), wherein said third latching nose (167 c) is configured to engagean associated actuating member (400) of the apparatus (2) so as to holdsaid actuating member (400) in a pressed position.
 38. The unitaccording to claim 24 and according to one of the claims 27 to 37,characterized in that the unit (1) comprises a drip pan (360) thatprotrudes from the front side wall (16 c) of said body (16) and isarranged below the end region (261) of the recess (260) as well as belowthe first receptacle (18) to receive spilled fluid, wherein said drippan (360) comprises a plurality of dents (363) for receiving spilledfluid.
 39. The unit according to claim 38, characterized in that thedrip pan (360) comprises a centering means (361) in the form of a recessfor receiving a guiding pin (361 a) of the apparatus (2).
 40. The unitaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body(16) comprises a material or is formed out of a material that comprisesa Shore hardness in the range from 60 A to 100 A, particularly 70 A to90 A, particularly 80 A.
 41. The unit according to one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the body (16) comprises a material or isformed out of a material, which material is one of: polypropylene (PP);acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); a mixture of polycarbonate (PC)and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
 42. A tubular fitting (24)for use with a unit (1), particularly a unit according to one of thepreceding claims, wherein the tubular fitting (24) is configured to bereceived by an opening (46) of a body (44) of a holder assembly (28) ofsaid apparatus (2), and wherein the tubular fitting (24) comprises anopening (24 c).
 43. The tubular fitting (24) according to claim 42,characterized in that the tubular fitting (24) is configured such thatan end cap (22) can be fastened to the tubular fitting (24) by pluggingthe end cap (22) into said opening (24 c), and wherein the tubularfitting (24) is configured such that an end cap (22) can be unfastenedfrom the tubular fitting (24) by pulling the end cap (22) out of saidopening (24 c).
 44. The tubular fitting (24) according to claim 42 or43, characterized in that the tubular fitting (24) is configured suchthat a connector (14) can be connected to the tubular fitting (24) byplugging the connector (14) into said opening (24 c) of the tubularfitting (24), and wherein the tubular fitting (24) is configured suchthat a connector (14) can be disconnected from the tubular fitting (24)by pulling the connector (14) out of said opening (24 c) of the tubularfitting (24).
 45. The tubular fitting according to one of the claims 42to 44, characterized in that the tubular fitting (24) is formed as anadapter, which comprises a first recess (600) at a first end of theadapter (24 b), which first recess (600) comprises an internal thread(602) configured to be rotationally fastened to an external thread (603)of a first portion (24 a) of a catheter, and wherein the adapter (24 b)comprises a shroud (607) at an opposite second end of the adapter (24b), which shroud (607) surrounds a second recess (609) of the adapter(24 b) into which a protrusion (610) of the adapter (24 b) protrudes,which protrusion (610) comprises said opening (24 c) of the adapter (24b) such that the shroud (607) surrounds said protrusion (610) and saidopening (24 c) of the adapter (24 b), wherein the shroud (607) iscoaxially arranged with respect to said protrusion (610).
 46. Thetubular fitting (24) according to claim 42, characterized in that thetubular fitting (24) comprises a first portion (24 a) and an adjacentsecond portion (24 b) comprising said opening (24 c).
 47. The tubularfitting (24) according to claim 46, characterized in that the secondportion (24 b) is configured such that an end cap (22) can be fastenedto the second portion (24 b) by plugging the end cap (22) into saidopening (24 c) of said second portion (24 b), and wherein the secondportion (24 b) is configured such that an end cap (22) can be unfastenedfrom the second portion (24 b) by pulling the end cap (22) out of saidopening (24 c).
 48. The tubular fitting (24) according to claim 46 or47, characterized in that the second portion (24 b) is configured suchthat a connector (14) can be connected to the second portion (24 b) byplugging the connector (14) into said opening (24 c) of said secondportion (24 b), and wherein the second portion (24 b) is configured suchthat a connector (14) can be disconnected from the second portion (24 b)by pulling the connector (14) out of said opening (24 c).
 49. Thetubular fitting according to one of the claims 42 to 48, characterizedin that the tubular fitting (24) comprises a removable clamp (800) forarresting the connector (14) with respect to the tubular fitting (24)when the connector (14) is connected to the tubular fitting (24),wherein particularly the clamp (800) is configured to be connected tothe tubular fitting (24), particularly by means of a clip-on connection,wherein particularly the clamp (800) encompasses the tubular fitting(24) when it is connected to the tubular fitting (24).
 50. The tubularfitting (24) according to one of the claims 46 to 49, characterized inthat the second portion (24 b) is formed as an adapter, which comprisesa first recess (600) at a first end of the adapter (24 b), which firstrecess (600) comprises an internal thread (602) configured to berotationally fastened to an external thread (603) of the first portion(24 a), and wherein the adapter (24 b) comprises a shroud (607) at anopposite second end of the adapter (24 b), which shroud (607) surroundsa second recess (609) of the adapter (24 b) into which a protrusion(610) of the adapter (24 b) protrudes, which protrusion (610) comprisessaid opening (24 c) of the adapter (24 b) such that the shroud (607)surrounds said protrusion (610) and said opening (24 c) of the adapter(24 b), wherein the shroud (607) is coaxially arranged with respect tosaid protrusion (610).
 51. The tubular fitting (24) according to one ofthe claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the second portion (24 b) isintegrally connected to first portion (24 a), wherein preferably thesecond portion (24 b) comprises a shroud (607), which shroud (607)surrounds a recess (609) of the second portion (24 b) into which aprotrusion (610) of the second portion (24 b) protrudes, whichprotrusion (610) comprises said opening (24 c) of the second portion (24b) such that the shroud (607) surrounds said protrusion (610) and saidopening (24 c) of the second portion (24 b), wherein the shroud (607) iscoaxially arranged with respect to said protrusion (610).
 52. Thetubular fitting (24) according to claims 49 and according to one of theclaim 45, 50, or 51, characterized in that the clamp (800) covers aportion of the shroud (607) and of said opening (14 c) when the clamp(800) is connected to the tubular fitting (24), wherein the clamp (800)is configured to engage behind a portion of the connector (14) when theconnector is connected to the tubular fitting (24) so that the connectorcannot be disconnected from the tubular fitting (24).
 53. The tubularfitting (24) according to one of the claims 49 to 52, characterized inthat the clamp (800) is configured to be connected to the tubularfitting (24) and/or removed from the tubular fitting (24) when thetubular fitting is arranged in a holder assembly (28) of an apparatus(2) to which said removable unit (1) is connected.
 54. The tubularfitting (24) according to one of the claims 49 to 53, characterized inthat the clamp comprises two arms (801) extending from a base (802) ofthe clamp (800) for encompassing the tubular fitting (24).
 55. Thetubular fitting (24) according to one of the claims 49 to 54,characterized in that the clamp (800) comprises a protrusion (804) forinsertion into a circumferential groove (805) of the tubular fitting(24) when the clamp (800) is connected to the tubular fitting (24). 56.The tubular fitting (24) according to claim 54 or according to claim 55when referring to claim 54, characterized in that the clamp (800)comprises a flap (806) for removing the clamp (800) from the tubularfitting (24), which flap is connected to the base (802), particularlyvia a hinge (807), wherein particularly, for forming said hinge (807),the clamp comprises a through-hole (803) arranged between the base (802)and the flap (806).
 57. A removable clamp (800) for arresting aconnector (14) with respect to a tubular fitting (24) when the connector(14) is connected to the tubular fitting (24), wherein particularly theremovable clamp (800) is configured to be connected to the tubularfitting (24), particularly by means of a clip-on connection, whereinparticularly the clamp (800) encompasses the tubular fitting (24) whenit is connected to the tubular fitting (24).
 58. The removable clamp(800) according to claim 57, characterized in that the clamp (800) isconfigured to cover a portion of a shroud (607) and of an opening (24 c)of the tubular fitting (24) when the clamp (800) is connected to thetubular fitting (24), wherein the clamp (800) is configured to engagebehind a portion of the connector (14) when the connector (14) isconnected to the tubular fitting (24) and plugged into said opening (24c), so that the connector (14) cannot be disconnected from the tubularfitting (24).
 59. The removable clamp (800) according to claim 57 or 58,characterized in that the clamp (800) is configured to be connected tothe tubular fitting (24) and/or removed from the tubular fitting (24)when the tubular fitting (24) is arranged in a holder assembly (28) ofan apparatus (2).
 60. The removable clamp (800) according to one of theclaims 57 to 59, characterized in that the clamp (800) comprises twoarms (801) extending from a base (802) of the clamp (800) forencompassing the tubular fitting (24).
 61. The removable clamp (800)according to one of the claims 57 to 60, characterized in that the clamp(800) comprises a protrusion (804) for insertion into a circumferentialgroove (805) of the tubular fitting (24) when the clamp (800) isconnected to the tubular fitting (24).
 62. The removable clamp (800)according to claim 60 or according to claim 61 when referring to claim60, characterized in that the clamp (800) comprises a flap (806) forremoving the clamp (800) from the tubular fitting (24), which flap isconnected to the base (802), particularly via a hinge (807), whereinparticularly, for forming said hinge (807), the clamp (800) comprises athrough-hole (803) arranged between the base (802) and the flap (806).63. An end cap (22) for use with a tubular fitting (24) and a unit (1),which end cap (22) is configured to be connected to the tubular fitting(24) so as to close the tubular fitting (24).
 64. The end cap (22)according to claim 63, characterized in that the end cap (22) comprisesa protrusion (22 a) having a broadened head (22 b) that is configured toengage behind an edge (18 a) of a first receptacle (18) of the unit (1),so that the tubular fitting (24) can be pulled off the end cap (22) whenthe end cap (22) has its head (18 b) engaged with said edge (18 a) ofthe first receptacle (18).
 65. The end cap (22) according to one of theclaims 63 to 64, characterized in that the end cap (22) comprises aflexible carrier member (25), particularly a sponge (25), that carriesan anti-bacterial agent or fluid.
 66. The end cap (22) according to oneof the claims 63 to 65, characterized in that the end cap (22) comprisesa disinfectant, wherein particularly said end cap (22) is at leastpartially or completely formed out of said disinfectant, or comprises acoating comprising said disinfectant.
 67. The end cap (22) according toone of the claims 63 to 66, characterized in that the end cap (22) isformed out of a thermoplastic elastomer or comprises a thermoplasticelastomer, wherein particularly said thermoplastic elastomer comprises aShore hardness in the region from 60 A to 100 A, particularly 70 A to 90A, particularly 80 A.
 68. A capsule (290) for use with a unit (1),particularly a unit according to one of the claims 1 to 41, wherein thecapsule (290) comprises a receptacle (20) and an end cap (22) arrangedin said receptacle (20), wherein the capsule (290) is configured to beconnected to a body (16) of the unit (1) in a releasable fashion.